Wednesfield Market traders receive offers to safeguard future
A raft of offers have been put together in a bid to regenerate Wednesfield Market and keep it bustling, council chiefs have said.
Wolverhampton Council is working with traders to offer them more opportunities to sell their wares and increase footfall – such as taking on an additional stall for £1.
It comes after a desperate plea was made to chiefs to cut rents and improve stalls, or face the end of the market which has been a regular fixture since the 1960s.
Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city environment, said: “The new incentives have been created to help the market thrive and grow.
“The council and local residents both have the same goal: we want the market on the high street to be busy and bustling.
“Working with current traders, potential traders, Wednesfield Village Business Alliance and local people, I’m sure our combined effort can make a difference.”
The measures were introduced before all markets across the city closed due to coronavirus – but will still be on offer when they do re-open.
Gary Green, a fruit and veg stall trader, said: “This is good news, and is definitely welcomed by us as traders. I’ve even taken up one of the incentives myself and for only £1 I have an additional stall.
“I can sell more produce and give my customers more choice. The incentives are just what traders need."
The incentives include:
A new, or casual, trader who wants to be licensed will receive a 50 per cent rent reduction for 26 weeks.
Traders taking on additional stalls will be charged just £1 through the Pound a Pitch promotion.
Licensed traders who work four days full-time will get one day rent-free each week.
A licensed trader who introduces someone who takes on a stall for 13 weeks will receive a 10 per cent rent reduction on their own rent for four weeks.
Key stalls on the market will be charged only £5 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays when it re-opens.
Jay Baso, chair of Wednesfield Village Business Alliance, said: “This is a great opportunity for current traders and potential new traders.
“We have a great community here in Wednesfield, and I, along with my other colleagues in the alliance, are working hard to help boost business in the area for market traders.”
For more details about the market incentive packages contact 01902 555200 or markets@wolverhampton.gov.uk
