EAGLE CENTRE MARKET

Derby City Council's yearly rental income from Eagle Centre and Guildhall markets has been reduced because not all the stalls are occupied. The council stressed that closing a market was only one of the options. In a council meeting, the authority's chief executive, Adam Wilkinson, said the authority was considering the sustainability of having two markets and looking to reduce the amount of space for market stalls in the city.

When Richard Williams, the council's director of regeneration, was asked whether the council had discussed closing a market, he said, "Of course we've talked about it, it has to be an option, but it's just one option. With the Eagle Market, long-term it is only leased and it's almost inevitable Westfield [shopping centre] would want it back. Both markets have a lower occupancy than in previous years, but the council is looking at urgent steps that can be undertaken to attract more footfall and to let more stalls."

He added that the authority was reviewing the "structure and future functioning" of all of its markets and would be working with the traders' associations. Linda Aston, who chairs the Guildhall Traders' Association, said, "Derby's always had two markets and the idea of closing one of them is really impossible because we're really two different types of market. Also, it won't be logical to shut one because there isn't enough room in either of the markets to maintain the high grade of stores."

She added, "The best option is to spend some money on renovating the empty stalls and trying to encourage people in. But, if the city council do decide to close one of us, they'll have a fight on their hands." She added that more traders were occupying empty stalls and believed all the stores would be taken within the next two years. Since 2007, the council has been putting together a "Markets Strategy", but so far nothing has been put forward. (Source: BBC News, Dec/11)

Stalls in the Eagle Market could be grouped closer together to make it look busier and attract more trade. It is one of the options Derby City Council is considering in efforts to improve dwindling trade. Councillor Chris Poulter, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said, "The Eagle Market is a large market area and there are parts becoming unoccupied."

He added, "There is an option there to consolidate the traders that are there into a smaller space because if the market looks fuller it is better than lots of empty space. Traders could be arranged around main thoroughfares." He said some traders may not want to move as customers were used to their location and that any work would only be done in conjunction with the market associations.

Mr Poulter, former president of the National Association of British Market Authorities, said Derby, like other cities, had seen indoor markets near shopping centres like Westfield struggle. He said, "It seems nationally there is a trend which is seeing indoor markets which are close to a major retail offer are suffering more than weekly outdoor markets." But the Market Hall is also suffering. Just 63% of its floor space is occupied, compared to 71.6% in the Eagle Market, leading to speculation about whether it could close or traders moved to the Eagle Market. (Source: Derby Evening Telegraph, Dec/11)