Council boosts support for market traders

Great Yarmouth Borough Council has announced that traders moving to the new market currently under construction will now be able to trade for free during March and April, in addition to the two-month rent break for January and February announced last year.

Traders will be able to begin moving into their new stalls from mid-April, to allow shoppers to enjoy the market without additional disruption over the Easter period.

Council leader Carl Smith and Labour group leader Trevor Wainwright said: "We know it has been tough for some traders with the impact of Covid and the ongoing construction of the new market buildings.

"The six-day market is an important part of life in the borough and we want to do everything we can to support it. This brings direct support for market traders through the council to over £200,000, in addition to our £4.7m investment in the new more spacious, greener, market buildings."

The extended rent-free period adds to the help being offered to traders transferring to the new market, which includes around £160,000 of interest-free loans for new equipment and increased financial security through long-term leases, replacing rolling licences.

The new covered market will have 26 main stalls, alongside two kiosk stalls and space for pop-up traders, and the design allows for covered seating for customers using the food and drink stalls.

All stalls will be well insulated to regulate temperature and all light fittings will be low-energy LED lights, adding to its energy efficiency.

The majority of existing traders are moving to the new buildings in a phased process. This includes stalls selling fruit and veg, hot and cold food including Great Yarmouth's famous chips, teas and coffees, cards, books, and keys and shoe repairs.

Formal applications for around new traders to open on the revamped market will open shortly. The council has already had 25 expressions of interest from people interested in joining the market.