Markets Strategy 2014-2019
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The Ealing Council Markets Strategy 2014 - 2019 EALING COUNCIL The Ealing Council Markets Strategy 2014-19 Contents 1. Executive Summary 3 2. Why are Markets Important? 6 3. Why a Markets Strategy for Ealing? 7 4. Definitions 9 Part Part 1: 5. The Vision for Markets in Ealing 10 Introduction & Context 6. Strategy Aims & Objectives 11 7. Strategy Process 12 8. The Legal Framework 14 8.1 How are Markets Governed? 14 8.2 The Establishment of Ealing’s Markets 15 rt 2: 9. Ealing’s Markets Today 18 Pa 9.1 Acton Market 19 9.2 Ealing Farmers Market 23 Research Findings 9.3 Southall Market 26 9.4 New markets in development 28 10. Moving Forward: Opportunities & Recommendations 29 10.1 Creating and maintaining an attractive street scene 29 10.2 Business support 29 10.3 Marketing and promotion 30 10.4 Waste and sustainability 31 g Forward Part Part 3: 10.5 Events and community interaction 31 10.6 Modernising the management of Ealing’s Markets 31 Movin 10.7 Recommended actions for Ealing’s existing markets 32 10.8 Potential new markets 34 11. Background 36 11.1 Strategic Influences 36 : 4 11.2 The Legal Framework – Food Act v London Legislation 40 11.3 Results of Markets Consultation 43 Part Part 11.4 Defunct Markets 53 Background 11.5 Designated sites 56 Annex 1: Ealing Council Market Operations Policy Annex 2: Ealing Council’s precedent market licence template and monitoring schedule 2/57 The Ealing Council Markets Strategy 2014-19 1. Executive Summary The ‘Ealing Markets Strategy 2014-19’ sets out the way forward to reinvigorate and transform existing markets in Ealing and create new ones that contribute to the regeneration, social cohesion and entrepreneurial activity in Ealing. There are currently three markets in operation across the borough: Ealing Farmers’ Market, Acton Market and Southall Market, each of these markets are different in the way they have been set up, the offer they provide and the way in which they are managed (including governance through different forms of legislation). Ealing Council has not previously adopted a policy that governs how markets (on public highway) are allocated, how they operate and are monitored. There has also not been a formal charging policy for market operators and currently income received from the existing markets do not cover the costs that are incurred by Ealing Council – particularly in relation to the issuing of Licences (admin and legal fees), additional/required street cleaning, utility usage and officer monitoring and enforcement time. Ealing Council would like to support the improvement and growth of these existing markets and facilitate the set-up of new markets by making space available and putting in place the appropriate mechanisms (i.e. monitoring and allocation policies and procedures) to help ensure they are successful and complement (i.e. not in direct competition with) neighbouring businesses. Research and consultation conducted through the development of the market strategy has identified that some of Ealing’s existing markets are more successful than others: each could benefit from improvements in order to create a more vibrant environment and, in turn, increase trade. It has also identified there is a desire for more markets in the borough, in particular offering specialist goods and services (for example, Artisan food and crafts markets and high quality street food markets) and a strong desire for these markets to be located in town centres. The ‘Ealing Markets Strategy 2014-19’ proposes practical recommendations to improve Ealing’s existing markets and includes a new ‘Ealing Market Operations Policy’ (attached as Annex 1) which sets out a clear direction for the style of markets desired in Ealing, suitable locations, assessment criteria and allocation process for markets including standard conditions for market operator licence holders for markets in all public places within the London Borough of Ealing. 3/57 The Ealing Council Markets Strategy 2014-19 The Strategy is set out under four main parts and also contains two Annexes: Part/Annex Description Part 1: Introduction & Context Providing information on: Why markets are important Why a strategy is needed for Ealing Market definitions The vision for markets in Ealing The strategy aims and objectives The strategy process Part 2: Research Findings Detailing information on: The Legal Framework and how markets are governed How Ealing’s existing markets were established, how they are managed and how they are currently operating Part 3: Moving Forward Presenting the opportunities and recommendations arising from the the consultation and review. These are set out under themes and include specific recommendations for Ealing’s existing markets; the management of markets; and ideas and suggestions to set-up new markets in the borough. Part 4: Background Providing more detailed information on markets strategic influences, describing the differences between the two main forms of legislation that govern markets, presenting the key results arising from the public consultation exercise, providing information on the West Ealing Craft Market and Greenford Pilot Market which are no longer in operation and providing information on the how the key designated street trading sites are managed across the borough. Annex 1: The proposed new ‘Ealing Council Market Operation Policy’ as described above. Annex 2: The Ealing Council precedent market licence template and monitoring schedule, which forms the main agreement between Ealing Council and any external Market Operator that may be appointed to operate markets in the borough. 4/57 The Ealing Council Markets Strategy 2014-19 Once adopted, the opportunities and recommendations will be used to inform an Implementation Plan to be delivered over the next 5 years (2014-19). The Ealing Market Operations Policy will also be used to ensure that all market licences in Ealing are issued equitably and that market operations are professional, environmentally friendly and add value to the community. 5/57 The Ealing Council Markets Strategy 2014-19 2. Why are Markets Important? Ealing Council recognises the importance that markets play in society and the contribution they can make to regeneration and the local economy: Markets provide valuable employment and business opportunities offering platforms to encourage innovation, creativity and confidence for new and developing enterprises. They infuse activity and energy into areas that may otherwise be lifeless or unwelcoming They can offer different and varied products and services that may not already be available on the High Street bringing more people into an area and increasing footfall They provide opportunities for non-profit making / charitable / community organisations to engage with local communities They can provide alternative street entertainment, host events and provide a focus in the celebration of festivals and special occasions which, as well as helping to increase passing trade for local retailers, can also create a vibrant atmosphere and experience that online shoppers may not otherwise enjoy. More detailed information on how markets link to national, regional and local plans, policies and research are set out under section 11.1 Strategic Influences. 6/57 The Ealing Council Markets Strategy 2014-19 3. Why a Markets Strategy for Ealing? There are currently three markets in operation across the borough: Ealing Farmers’ Market, Acton Market and Southall Market, with an overall total of approximately 60 traders, as well as 16 traders located at individual designated street trading site across the borough. Each of these markets are different in the way they have been set up, the offer they provide and the way in which they are managed (including governance through different forms of legislation). Ealing Farmers’ Market and Acton Market both operate on public highway and therefore are licenced by Ealing Council. Southall Market operates on private land and was established by Royal Charter. There are also two new markets currently being developed in the borough: an addional Southall Monthly Market and a new Greenford Community Market both of which aim to increase and complement the offer within the respective town centres and increase the footfall and vitiality of the areas. There are approximately 160 markets in London and 82% of these are run by local authorities. At the London Markets Symposium held in July 2013, Jan Lloyd, Association of London Markets, reported that there is a demand for new markets in London and the demand for space exceeds supply. Ealing Council does not currently have an adopted policy on how markets (on public highway) are allocated, how they operate and are monitored. There is also no formal charging policy for market operators and currently income received from the existing markets do not cover the costs that are incurred by Ealing Council – particularly in relation to the issuing of Licences (admin and legal fees), additional/required street cleaning, utility usage and officer monitoring and enforcement time. Ealing Council would like to support the improvement and growth of its existing markets and the set-up of new markets by making space available and putting in place the appropriate mechanisms (i.e. monitoring and allocation policies and procedures) to help ensure they are successful and complement (i.e. not in direct competition with) neighbouring businesses. Following public consultation (including engagement with market operators), it has been identified that some of Ealing’s existing markets