Apologies had been received from Councillor Nigel Bell and from Grant Adams, Chair of the Market Traders’ Association.

There were no disclosures of interest.

To submit for signature the minutes of the meeting held on 21 February 2012

The minutes of the meeting held on 21^st February 2012 were submitted and signed.

Presentation from Managing Director and Interim Property Section Head

The Property Section Head explained that it was hoped that work on the redevelopment would start in the near future.  He suggested that a Market Working Group sub-group should be inaugurated and begin to meet in the Summer of 2012. 

The Managing Director summarised Capital Shopping Centre’s (CSC) plans for development based on a new combined lease and advised that the proposal would connect the Harlequin Centre with Charter Place and that CSC would then manage both areas.   He advised that at their meeting of 18^th June 2012, Cabinet had approved the recommendation of officers to switch to CSC as development partner. 

The Property Section Head said that CSC, rather than the Council, would manage the market; he added that, when formulating development schemes, feedback from the survey conducted with the Market Traders had been taken into account.

The Property Section Head then addressed the question of where the new market would be situated.  He advised that an indoor market would be established within Charter Place; one entrance would be from Beechen Grove.  An outdoor market, managed by Watford Borough Council, could be based in the St Mary’s churchyard area.  He reiterated that it would be prudent to initiate a Market Working Group sub-group who could enter into consultation with CSC.  He added that the Council would also determine in what way they could support traders and develop ideas. 

In reply to a question from Councillor Lynch, the Property Section Head advised that the indoor market would indicatively have capacity for 25 uniformly sized stalls, however no detailed designs have been proposed at this early stage. Capacity for the outdoor market would be flexible and dependant on numbers of traders. 

One Trader noted that 25 stalls would be provided in the indoor market and asked whether these would be larger than the current stalls.  He also expressed concerns with regards to the outdoor market.

The Chair assured the Trader that the outdoor market would not be run in competition with the indoor facility; rather it was intended that a more traditional outdoor market would complement the ‘niche’ market within Charter Place.  She added that the initial survey had indicated that residents wished to see an outdoor market established in the town. 

The Managing Director advised that the redevelopment would provide the opportunity to design and install an outdoor market with a suitable range of provision.  He explained that the determination on where individual stalls should be sited would depend on traders’ interest and suitability to the ‘mix’ of goods on sale. 

A Trader noted that whilst there had been three or four additional traders holding outdoor stalls for a few days before Christmas 2011, this was insufficient evidence to conclude that an outdoor market would be viable.  He asked for the sizes of the units in the new indoor market and advised that it was unlikely that all existing traders could be accommodated.    

The Property Section Head reported that CSC had not advised on sizes of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

1.    Duplication of Stalls

One Trader questioned a decision on the letting of stalls for the sale of goods already available in the market.

The Property Section Head replied that he would investigate this issue and then provide an answer for the trader.

2.     Guest Markets

The Trader asked for an explanation of the delay for the guest market because of insurance.

The Managing Director assured the Trader that this issue would be addressed immediately.   

3.     Business Rates

The meeting discussed the rating system applied by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to stalls at the market.

One Trader gave details of the fee he was required to pay which he considered to be excessive. 

The Chair and Property Section Head agreed that it would be advisable for the trader to make an appeal to the VOA.  The Chair added that the trader might also wish to contact the National Market Traders’ Federation to establish whether this body could offer any assistance. 

4.     Watford’s Jubilee Celebrations

The meeting noted that the market had closed over the Jubilee weekend.  However, traders felt that the charging policy for stalls on the day had been inconsistent.  The Section Head for Property offered to look into the matter.  

To be confirmed

The date of the next meeting will be confirmed.