All Committee Members were present.

Apologies had been received prior to the meeting from Lynne Lawrence of the Market Traders, the Market Superintendent and the Property Development Project Manager.

There were no disclosures of interest.

To submit for signature the minutes of the meeting held on 19 February 2013

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 February 2013 were submitted and signed.

Update on Watford Market

The Property Development Project Manager had sent apologies for non-attendance.  The Managing Director gave the presentation on her behalf.  He introduced the presentation by informing the meeting that a range of options were being considered.

The Managing Director advised that the Council was working with a number of market advisors, the Market Working Group sub-group and with Central ward councillors.  He offered the meeting an overview on options for the new market.

The Managing Director explained that ‘Intu’ were now landlords of, and had responsibility for, the Charter Place area.  Through informed discussion they would determine compensation; it was anticipated that there would be clarity on this issue in October 2013. 

The Managing Director added that Watford Borough Council (WBC) would work with the market management company (MMC), once appointed.   Assessments and management issues relative to the market would also have been determined by the end of October 2013.  He advised that WBC would continue to be responsible for the day-to-day running of the market.   

Councillor Bell referred to the Cabinet report which had advised that there was a £20,000 reserve available for marketing use. 

The Managing Director said that there was, in fact, £23,000 available to which trader contributions would be added for marketing the current and the new market.   He advised that it was hoped that the new market would be ready for use by the end of July 2014 and that there would be a ‘one step’ transition from the old to the new location.  He added that it was possible that there would be a degree of flexibility within the timetable.

The Managing Director then informed the Working Group that Intu would be consulting in the present week on the delivery plan for Charter Place.  A submission would be made in September 2013 for an anticipated start in 2015; it was anticipated that opening of the refurbished area would be in 2017.

The Managing Director informed those present that Kier would project manage delivery of the new market and would tender for the building contractor.  He stressed that traders would be able to transfer seamlessly from the current location to the new market.  He then outlined the options for the new location.

Option 1a

·               Containers for trading purposes would be installed; the whole area to be covered by a glass roof.  This would essentially be an outdoor market with a roof for protection. 

·               This would be a two-storey construction.  On the ground floor there would be eight feet wide containers providing trading and storage space. 

·               There would be secure gates at the Beechen Grove entrance and a route through to the High Street.

·               On the first floor there would be café facilities and the facility for sales of food.  Larger container sizes would be used on this level. 

·               Lifts would be installed for access to the upper level making this the most costly option.

Councillor Bell noted that the entrance from Beechen Grove would be a key aspect for the market and said  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Tuesday 8 October 2013 at 6.00 p.m.

Tuesday 8 October 2013