Hartlepool's Outdoor Market 'at Risk of Closure' council report reveals:

Lack of Traders & footfall causes Hartlepool Borough Council to re-evaluate the future of the towns Outdoor Market in the wake of rising costs.

1st November 2024

Hartlepool’s Thursday outdoor market, a once cherished weekly tradition, is said to be at risk of coming to an end, as Hartlepool Borough Council considers its future. Despite its roots in the local community and potential contributions to a more vibrant local economy, its claimed since the COVID-19 pandemic, the councils raised concerns about its sustainability.

At an upcoming Adult and Community Based Services Committee meeting on November 7, 2024, councillors are to be asked to explore three possible outcomes for the market: keeping it under Council management, outsourcing it to an external operator, or closing it altogether....

The Once bustling outdoor market, with traders selling fresh produce, meats, fish, and unique goods has seen dwindling footfall according to a council report, where its claimed on average, only thirteen traders now attend weekly, with only two of them based in Hartlepool.

Although a public survey in 2020 showed strong interest for the towns outdoor market to remain, especially in fresh food and variety, these recommendations never took into consideration the Council's 'limited resources' resources. With it being said that there's now just one fresh produce stall remaining, with the council admitting there’s now little chance to revive the appeal of the market.

The Council report outlines three potential paths forward:

Retaining Management:

Keeping the market under Council control would mean minor cost-saving changes, like requiring traders to manage their own waste.

However council officers claim that without a dedicated team to boost trader numbers or visitor appeal, this would likely result in more of the same — a market barely able to stay afloat.

Outsourcing Management of the Market to a 3rd party:

Its claimed Markets in nearby towns such as Crook and Stanley have successfully transitioned to external operators, generating fixed income and improving attendance. If this option succeeds, council officers claim Hartlepool’s market could maintain its presence, potentially attracting more variety and foot traffic.

Closing the Market:

If outsourcing fails, the Council will consider permanently closing the market, with the council noting that the closure of the outdoor market would mark a significant loss for the town, eliminating a historic community gathering spot and reducing local commerce, especially for Hartlepool’s few remaining traders who rely on it.

The report highlights stark financial concerns about the future of the Thursday Market, with the council claiming that the market’s income target of £27,757 for 2024-2025 is very much "out of reach", with only £17,550 expected based on current attendance. Waste management and staff time costs adds pressure the council claims, eating into already-stretched Council resources. Whilst closing the market would save on operational expenses, it would also erase a public amenity that adds to Hartlepool’s community fabric and its goal of “inclusive and growing” local economy one officer noted...

The report will go before councillors next week when they meet at Hartlepool's Civic Centre, with the council stating that should no 3rd party interest in operating the market be found, proposals for its closure would be made at a future Finance & Policy meeting likely to be held next year.,