North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has welcomed news that a twice weekly market is to be launched in Swindon Town Centre thanks to in Swindon's Town Centre Business Improvement District initiative.
A Retail Market will run on Thursdays and Saturdays in the Wharf Green area of the Town Centre. In addition to the regular market, there will also be a Farmers and Fine Food Market on the third Friday of each month.
The market will have up to 45 stalls, with some regulars and others rotating - offering something for everyone and something new each time.
Anita Bellinger, Executive Director of inSwindon BID said “We’re delighted to be bringing markets back to Swindon Town Centre. We know there’s a great and long-awaited demand from residents and local businesses. It will be operated by Cotswold Markets Ltd., who are known for high quality stalls which people travel to visit. There will be a wide range of stalls, including new ones that haven’t run in other locations, so Swindon will have a completely fresh offer. Along with other work we’re doing, it will help to attract shoppers from Swindon and further afield, which will be fantastic for local businesses.
“A market will be a huge benefit to the Town Centre and is part of our ongoing work to enhance the BID area and increase footfall. It’s been made possible thanks to support for our proposal from the Towns Fund Board who administrate the Towns Fund, a Government scheme to encourage sustainable economic regeneration. Other benefits will include job creation, stimulating the local economy, and an infrastructure for new and small businesses to grow.
“Wharf Green is the perfect site. It’s easily accessible and the markets will be just one of the regular activities we’ll have happening there. Future expansion could include a monthly Arts & Crafts Market, plus the opportunity for Food Festivals, Night Markets and a Victorian Christmas Market. There’s such great potential, as there is for the whole of the Town Centre.”
Dave Joynes from Cotswold Markets Ltd. is looking forward to the market launching: “Cotswold Markets Ltd. are delighted to be working alongside inSwindon BID to bring markets back to this historic market town. This is a really exciting opportunity for us to work alongside the BID and bring our 40 years of experience from operating markets in Cheltenham, Cirencester, Moreton-in-Marsh, Fairford, Tewkesbury and Worcester to establish successful markets in Swindon.” Potential traders should contact Cotswold Markets through their website.
Justin Tomlinson said: "This is fantastic news, and I know many people will be excited at the prospect of this new market. I am passionate about supporting the Town Centre, and a market is a fantastic way to increase footfall in the town centre. I am very much looking forward to the market opening in April, and seeing what it has to offer."
inSwindon BID are the independent, not-for-profit, business-led Town Centre management company. Follow their social media and www.swindontowncentre.co.uk for updates, including a start date for the markets.
