09 February 2012
Plans for a street market in the town centre were approved yesterday by council bosses.
Eastbourne will see its first market take place around July this year, once planning applications and traffic orders have been finalised.
A recent consultation period showed wide support from local businesses and services for the market.
Stalls will be set up in the heart of the town in Terminus Road with the section from the seafront to Seaside Road featuring the most pitches. If there is sufficient demand the market could continue along Terminus Road flowing out to Pevensey and Langney Road.
Initially the market will incorporate 58 pitches, but has room to grow around the town if necessary. Stagecoach and Brighton & Hove buses will temporarily re-route buses on the day of the market.
The consultation also highlighted the type of goods people wish to see sold at the market, with the favourite being food produce from neighbouring areas as well as general goods and arts and crafts.
The market will bring a different element of shopping to the area without competing with existing businesses. The preferred day for the market is Friday, occurring on a regular basis. The council’s long term plan is to see the market eventually taking place weekly.
The street market is great news for the council’s regeneration plans, bringing additional footfall to the town centre and providing business opportunities for stall holders.
Eastbourne council has set aside £25,000 from its regeneration budget to cover the initial set up costs. The long term management of the market will be administered by a third party, committed to Eastbourne’s economic development, and will incur no cost to the council and local taxpayers.
Cllr David Tutt, Leader of the Council, said: "Having the proposals for the street market approved is exciting news for the town. It will increase the vibrancy and vitality of the central area and help with regeneration. It is another example of how the community of Eastbourne is working together in a positive way, to tackle the economic challenges the whole country is facing.”
Any business interested in having a stall at the market should call Chris Richards, Town Centre Manager, for 01323 415224.
