Investigation launched by council into plans for indoor market in Ashfield

Frustrated traders at Sutton’s indoor market are still waiting on a decision on whether they are re-generating or moving to a new location.
Sutton Indoor MarketSutton Indoor Market
Sutton Indoor Market

A cabinet meeting, which took place last week, decided that two options for the site are now under “investigation” to check the feasibility.

Carys Turner-Jones, corporate communications manager at Ashfield District Council, said: “The council is undertaking investigation into two options for the future of the market.

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“As with any investigative work, this will involve gathering information which will be collated into a report for the council to consider.”

She declined to comment on what the investigations will involve.

Chad previously reported in July that the council was exploring new ideas for the market place, which has been branded as “out-dated” and “unsafe” by traders.

The traders were notified about the two options several months ago.

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One option is that the current premises, at the Idlewells Shopping Centre, would be upgraded and repaired. The second option is that the market would move to a purpose-built market hall on Fox Street.

Traders had mixed views on which option they would prefer, but the majority of them said they would just prefer to know what was going to happen already.

Upgrading the current market would mean that the traders would be moved to a temporary location in the town centre for 26 weeks while the work is carried out.

Building a new premises at Fox Street would not involve the traders moving out - but could risk alienating regular customers from the Idlewells centre.

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Ms Turner-Jones added: “The indoor market traders are fully aware that this process is underway and are being regularly updated on its progress.

“Once the research into both options is complete a report will be taken back to cabinet for a final decision.”