Indoor market to benefit from experts’ study

The appointment follows a decision taken by the council’s cabinet earlier in the year, when they appointed independent specialists to explore how the market’s future would be best served in relation to two preferred options.

It was agreed that the research would look into the viability undertaking remedial works and at the same time refurbish the existing indoor market in Idlewells shopping centre, or to relocate to a new build on Fox Street.

The first consultant, Cushman and Wakefield’s role is to look at the most appropriate uses for the two subject sites located in the centre of Sutton. As a global leader in commercial real estate services, they will look at the opportunities for investment in the town centre.

The role of the second consultant, Quarterbridge Project Management Ltd, is to examine consumer behaviour through analysis of customer shopping habits in and around the town centre.

They are the UK’s leading specialista in all aspects of retail market improvement projects.

The council’s deputy leader, Coun Don Davis, said both would look in detail at the merits and challenges of the options, both of which he believed have potential to provide a solid base for the market to attract new traders and customers.

He said: “I’m glad that these appointments have been made and the council is able to have an objective and expert view on what will be the best option for shoppers, traders and the future of the Market in Sutton.

“The existing market traders in Sutton are loyal and offer customers a good produce mix. They are currently constrained by the environment in which they trade and we welcome the findings from the consultants.”

The council says existing traders and public alike, will continue to be consulted and regularly updated on the progress of the project, with a report due to be put before the cabinet in spring 2016.