Town Centre Forum Debates Street Market Extensions

The possibility of extending the Monday market throughout the town was debated at the Town Centre Forum meeting yesterday.

The subject was discussed in great depth at the Town Centre Forum meeting, which saw members of the Forum ask the Council about the possibility of extending the weekly outdoor market throughout the town.

In recent weeks the possibility of an extended Monday market in the town has been widely discussed, with many traders feeling that extending the weekly Monday market would be a benefit for the town.

Currently the weekly Monday market is based in Queen’s Square, however many feel that extending the market through to the High Street or Chester Street would increase footfall and benefit traders down that part of town.

Alex Jones from The Bank said: “I would like to see an extension to the Monday market throughout the town and would like a proper answer as to if we can do it. Can we turn this ‘Can’ts into Cans?”

Councillor Hugh Jones said: “As far as the markets are concerned, I’m happy to do it, but it does depend on the number of traders who are happy to take it away and have a look at it.

“We are happy to take away the issue of an extended Monday market, the aim is make Wrexham a happy place.”

The location of an outdoor market was raised, with reference made to tomorrows Employment, Business & Investment Scrutiny Committee’s agenda, which lists Henblas Street and Chester Street as options for an outdoor market. It was suggested that the High Street be considered alongside these options.

One of the main issues raised with a regular market on the High Street focused on closing off the road once a week, and potential costs and issues that could arise from doing so.

Part of the discussion centred on the frequency of the market, and whether it could practically run once a week or not. Chairman Kevin Critchley said: “My view is it would be great to do something on the High Street, but more personally I don’t think it would be practical every week.”

One alternative to a weekly event, was instead a monthly ‘themed’ market, with the example of a ‘Wedding Market’ suggested. Speaking about the potential of a monthly themed market, one representative said: “Something would be better than nothing.”

The issue of getting traders on board and that a weekly market would provide something more concrete to potential traders was also raised. Councillor Carole O’Toole said: “To make this work the market traders have got to want to come.

“I think the themed approach is the approach to take. However it is unlikely to repeat our market history, and notice patterns of retailing in younger people who shop online. It is important to notice these trends.”

One member of the forum said they disagree and are ‘fairly sure we can repeat history’, with another highlighting the strong market history they have witnessed in the town before.

Cllr Hugh Jones said: “Looking at the policy of the existing markets, there’s a number of issues that need to be discussed.

“What we need to be clear of at this stage, is looking at the potential rather than the where.”

Today at 6pm the Employment, Business & Investment Scrutiny Committee will be meeting at the Guildhall to discuss the indoor markets. The meeting is open to the public and Wrexham.com will also be there.