One of the recent achievements I have been particularly pleased to see has been our local market’s performance since the council’s decision to move it into Queensway. I was always confident that the new venue with brand new gazebos and revamped pitches would help things to grow, and so it has proved. Since the market moved in March last year, these improvements have been very visible.
Between April and September this year, we were averaging 6 to 8 stalls on a Wednesday, and 7 to 9 stalls on a Friday and Saturday. Even during the winter months, when it is harder to retain the same number of stalls with as much regularity, on Wednesdays we are averaging between 4 to 6 stalls, and on a Friday and Saturday we have a fairly consistent 6 to 7 traders each week.
This is a marked improvement compared to when the market was on Haslett Avenue West, when there were usually fewer traders.
We have always welcomed and valued the support of our established and long serving traders who are all Crawley institutions: the Fruit and Veg Stall; Watch Repairs; Household Items, Burger Van; Guildbourne Meats; Artisan Bread and Cake and the St John’s Coffee Van. New Stalls that we are delighted have joined them include Trainers and Sports Wear; Lewis Fresh Fishmonger; Cakes and Savouries; Jewellery Stall; Plants and Trees and several hot meal providers.
Feedback from our traders has been very positive. They tell us they much prefer this new location and many inform the council that not only have they retained their regular customers of many years, but also they now have many new customers, which I am thrilled to hear has worked out so well.
The increased footfall is also a benefit to many of our local town centre businesses, and a real example of how we continue as a council to look for new and innovative ways to encourage people into the area. There are some more exciting plans for us to develop this further which will be revealed when we can, and I think everyone will be pleased.
The challenge now is how we can make the market even bigger and even more varied in terms of stall offerings. The market is thriving under council stewardship, but we aren’t complacent. We will continue to work on improving this offer and people should feel welcome to get in touch with any suggestions.
Cllr Michael Jones
Leader, Crawley Borough Council