Decision No: CAB144 - 02/2009

Forward Plan No: ED03356

This record relates to A04 on the agenda for the Decision-Making

RECORD OF EXECUTIVE DECISION

16/02/2009  

DECISION-MAKER:

THE CABINET  

PORTFOLIO AREA:

Economic Development  

SUBJECT:

Street Market in Bitterne Precinct  

AUTHOR:

Robin McDonald  

THE DECISION

To approve the proposals / recommendations contained in the report without modification as set out below.
(i) To approve in principle the hosting of a street market for 3 years from 15th April 2009, organised by the Bitterne Village Traders Association (BVTA) (on the understanding that they are a company of general interest and a social enterprise and therefore not subject to the usual tendering processes) on Bitterne Precinct as identified in Appendix 1 subject to obtaining all necessary permits, consents and permissions and remaining self – funding.
(ii) Recommendation (i) to be subject to BTVA providing evidence of appropriate insurance, and the Head of City Development and Economy being satisfied that any profit made from the street market would be used for improvements to the area, for the economic, social or environmental well-being of their customers and local community.
(iii) To delegate authority to the Head of City Development and Economy, following consultation with the Solicitor to the Council, Chief Financial Officer and relevant Cabinet Members, to grant permission to BTVA to operate a street market in accordance with recommendation (i) and (ii), to enter into and obtain all necessary licenses, permits and consents required and to agree terms and conditions with BTVA and appropriate operators.
(iv) To delegate authority to Head of City Development and Economy to grant street market licences throughout Southampton following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Development to a maximum of two, to organisations of general interest and or social enterprises.
 

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

1. The provision of a market on the precinct has added to the vibrancy and vitality of Bitterne Precinct. It has attracted additional visitors to the area and increased the subsequent spend in Bitterne.
2. Bitterne traders are of the opinion that for some, takings in line with footfall were down by 15% prior to the start of the street market. Indications are that the current pilot street market has been a great success with increases in footfall and subsequent spend.
3. The BVTA is particularly pleased with the street market’s additional support during their Christmas trading adding to the festive feel and vibrancy of the area.
4. With regard to recommendation (iv) above; this action would support the proposals put before Cabinet on the 19th January 2009, regarding Economic Downturn Actions, enabling officers to support local businesses by attracting an increase in footfall and subsequent spend through the mechanism of encouraging street markets (to a maximum of 2) without returning to Cabinet for its approval for individual cases but after consultation with Cabinet Member for Economic Development.
5. Licences would be granted to those agencies that could prove their commitment and support to and from the business or wider local community, with profits gained and spent on improvements for the benefit of those communities and not for any individuals’ gain.
 

DETAILS OF ANY ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

To not have the attraction of a properly regulated street market extended to 3 years diminishes the appeal of the trading area of and around Bitterne Precinct at a time of economic concern.  

OTHER RELEVANT MATTERS CONCERNING THE DECISION

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The decision-maker(s) did not declare a personal or prejudicial interest in the matters set out in the report  

CONFIRMED AS A TRUE RECORD:

We certify that the decision this document records was made in accordance with the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2000 and is a true and accurate record of that decision.

Date:

Decision Maker:

16/02/2009

The Cabinet

Proper Officer:

Judy Cordell

SCRUTINY

Note: This decision will come in to force at the expiry of 5 working days from the date of publication subject to any review under the Council's Scrutiny 'Call-In' provisions.

Call-In Period

17 February 2009 to 24 February 2009

Date of Call-in (if applicable) (this suspends implementation)

Call-in Procedure completed (if applicable)

Call-in heard by (if applicable)

Results of Call-in (if applicable)