Securing a future for our market traders as private landlord hikes up rent
Lancaster and Fleetwood Liberal Democrats | Sunday, March 7th, 2010 | View Comments
At a cost of £500,000 a year the future of our market is uncertain
Lancaster indoor market is facing an uncertain future with the loss of many jobs and businesses, and threatening the great retail variety Lancaster has to offer. This is being caused by a lease agreement signed back in 1995 between the market’s private owner and Lancaster City Council, which ties the Council into a 99 year lease with no control over rents.
Stuart Langhorn and the local Lib Dems have been working hard since leading the Council in June 2009 to find a long term solution to this critical issue. Stuart Langhorn says:
To do nothing is not an option and for too many years the problem has been ignored. It puts all traders businesses at risk in the next few years. We need to take control of the problem and work together to get a solution now
In the Council’s budget Lancaster market costs the tax payer nearly £500,000 annually (£491,000 next year) . This places the market in danger of having to close – you may have seen the recent petition to save the market Therefore alternatives are being sought to save the market businesses for the long term: e.g.
- Can another tenant be found for all or part of the market space?
- Can an alternative location be found for an indoor market in the city centre?
- Can we assist market businesses into empty properties in the city centre making better use of our existing retail space?
- Can we expand the on street market?
- Can an opportunity be found by incorporating a new market at the heart of the Canal Corridor development?
- Could the Malthouse be a new market?
By acting now while there is time, the aim is to find an opportunity for market traders to gain from a move; with improved business premises and increased exposure to shoppers. We will keep you informed of progress and hope to report positive news soon.
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