A new impetus and enthusiasm for South Kesteven’s traditional outdoor markets is kick-starting fresh support from shoppers and a boost to local trade.
Work by South Kesteven District Council and an action plan for each town market signals the start of the next chapter, as traders, businesses and customers look to the future.
All three markets operated by SKDC generate customer and visitor footfall, not only for the traders but also for the wider town centres.
They each operate in the heart of their towns where they complement and support other retailers.
And in all areas, there is a strong transport and parking infrastructure for easy access to the markets.
Grantham’s markets operate every Saturday with monthly craft, farmers’ and a new vegan market now on the calendar.
Stamford offers a huge Friday market, supplemented by a regular farmers’ market, while Bourne’s Thursday market is steadily growing with new regulars and a range of goods.
There’s also a weekly, independent, trader-run market off Godsley Lane in Market Deeping, every Wednesday.
Deputy Council Leader, and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, Cllr Paul Stokes, said: “Our markets remain a vital part of South Kesteven life and continue to contribute to wider social, economic and environmental strategic goals.
“We pledged in our 2024-27 Corporate Plan to bring a step change in the way our Council-run street markets are presented, operated and promoted.
“We’ve worked with town councils to canvass opinion, commissioned experts in the field, crunched the data, and are now making changes to the markets themselves to make them strong and successful for the future.
“It’s all about continuous improvement, putting our markets on the radar and showing them a little love and respect. This involved key improvements and tweaks, keeping them relevant and interesting to local people.
“An action plan for the future will be discussed at SKDC’s next Cabinet meeting on 3rd September, when we will consider a consultant’s report and our Economic Development team’s recommendations.”
Markets Manager Craig Rudd has already attracted new traders and is introducing regular themed market days at each venue.
He said: “Delivering growth of the economy is fundamental to the success of the District, its businesses and residents.
“We realise that shoppers have greater choice in how and where to purchase the goods, food and services traditionally associated with a street market. But we are working more closely than ever before with market traders to maintain their viability and maximise their potential.
“Traders, charities or anyone considering trading from our markets should get in touch via craig.rudd@southkesteven.gov.uk to chat about how we can get them on board.”
South Kesteven’s markets have been part of the commercial and social life of the District for more than 1,000 years. There is evidence of regular markets being held in Stamford and Grantham as early as 972.
This continues today in Grantham, on Westgate every Saturday, more recently boosted by street entertainment and a programme of informal music events at the Conduit Tea Garden with Lewis Pittam and Hermione Johnson.
Crafters visit on the first Saturday of the month and a Farmers’ Market is hosted each second Saturday. August 17th will welcome additional stalls for a Vegan Market, while additional events will become more regular towards Christmas with a Steampunk Festival, Christmas Market and further farmers’ and vegan markets all planned.
In Stamford, the weekly market takes place on Fridays on Broad Street, Ironmonger Street and High Street with a Farmers’ Market each week on High Street.
SKDC has been working with input from The High Steet Experts, making improvements to layouts to meet customer demands.
Bourne Market is the smallest of the three, operating on Thursdays from the car park behind the Corn Exchange selling food and flowers. Each first Thursday of the month, this is expanded to include extra traders offering items such as ready meals, candles, antiques and curios, pet product and cleaning items.
The weekly independent market, off Godsley Lane in Market Deeping, is open 8am to 12noon every Wednesday. It offers a wide range of stock, from food and drink to fruit and veg, clothing, flowers and collectables.
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