Agenda item

The Sub-Committee received an alternative proposal for the delivery of the Romford Market Transformation Programme that was being developed. 

The original cabinet report for the market was for the implementation of a Transformation programme covering the following four key areas:

·            Physical transformation and improved use of space

·            Branding, identity and vision

·            Business growth and development of market offer

·            Operational management

The programme covered a range of activity including rebranding, better control and management of stalls, delivery of public Wi-Fi, increasing and diversifying the number of traders and to physically transform the space.

The report detailed that in progressing implementation, officers focussed initially on the physical transformation by working up proposals for a new Market House, which aimed to deliver a high-quality food offer with public realm space for seating and a play area for children. 

However, the final costing for the Market House indicated an additional cost of almost £1 million for groundworks, which had made it unviable. It was a major set-back in the delivery of the Transformation Programme.

The Sub-Committee noted that the principle activities in the programme as set out in the November 2015 Cabinet paper remain and alternative proposals were now being developed.  

The technical studies and consumer research completed as part of the original Programme would continue to be utilised to inform the future proposals.  

The Sub-Committee was informed that the current proposals in development and being costed included:

·           Creation of a public dwell space, which can be used for seating and events.

·           Re-branding and promotion of the market, digitally and traditional media.

·           Measures to continue the upward trend of increasing market traders and diversifying the market offer.

·           Reconfiguration of stalls, with matching covers and an aligned layout.

·           Maximising the opportunity created through delivery of public Wi-Fi in the Market Place, including contactless payments.

·           Introduction of additional market events to trial concepts and inform the transformation moving forward.

The report also indicated that there were proposals for a masterplan for Romford town centre, accompanied by a delivery strategy, to provide an overarching vision for the regeneration and development of the town. 

The Sub-Committee noted that Romford Market Place was a key and historical asset to the town and a masterplan would carefully consider how to maximise its potential for the benefit of the town.

The Sub-Committee was informed that despite the setback in the delivery of the programme, an operational focus had continued on growing trader numbers, expanding the offer and making small changes to refresh the look of the market.

It stated that since May 2017, the following outputs have been achieved:

·           3.5% increase in licenced traders, from 70 to 75

·           21 additional casual traders, total of 48 new casual traders this year to date.

·           10 new casual catering traders, which has improved the food offer and provided a more varied range.

·           Footfall has remained steady with a monthly average of approximately 143,000 in May and July, with an increase to approximately 150,000 in June.

The aim was to continue the upward trend, culminating in a market which feels vibrant and busy, with an improved choice of quality products.

Since April 2017, the following operational changes have been achieved:
 

·         Full Health & Safety checks and process/procedure assessment completed. 

·         A review of operational procedures was completed resulting in several minor changes. The most significant adjusted market staff working hours to provide better cover and improved trader contact from 6am to 7pm on Market days.

·         Following discussion with the Police Counter Terrorism Unit, some additional safety measures have been put in place based on their advice. 

·         A review of Return on Investment for advertising was completed. This has resulted in more a more targeted and effective approach.

·         Trader vehicle movements are now managed by Market Staff allowing safer and coordinated access at peak times.    

During a discussion on the Market House, a Member asked why the costs of the project had  increased and the presence of the utility pipes.  It was explained that although previous work had been undertaken on the market place the utilities were considered to be at a depth that did not impact on previous public realm work and as such a full ground surveys would not have been undertaken.  

The Sub-Committee was informed that all plans received from the utilities companies as part of initial enquiry work in RIBA stage 1-2 indicated that the gas pipe was in a different location to that which was subsequently discovered during ground investigations.  

Officers were working on a revised business plan for the market which will incorporate the four key area of the transformation programme. The Sub-Committee requested that a detailed financial business plan and layout of the market place be brought to a future meeting.  

The Sub-Committee was informed that an ice rink was planned for Christmas 2017, following the impact of the ice rink at the Eastern End of Market Place. Tenders have been received and a provider would be appointed shortly.

The annual Christmas Lights Switch On would take place on Thursday 16 November in the Market Place, and the ice rink would be opened the following week until early January.

The Sub-Committee noted the update and requested that the Director of Neighbourhoods attend the next meeting.