Mansfield District Council has introduced a package of measures to help reinvigorate the town’s market.
It hopes the initiative will increase the number and choice of stalls, and improve the shopping experience for customers.

The council said it has some of the most competitive rent rates in the region and is now offering a number of financial incentives to help existing and new traders.

New traders who stand on the market for four months or more will receive one week’s free rent per month for four months. Traders with more than three stalls will receive 25% off the fourth and subsequent stalls.

Traders can also benefit from a new referral scheme, which offers three days of free trading for every new stallholder they introduce to the market who stands for a minimum of four months.

The council plans to use its Economic Stimulus Fund to revitalise the appearance of the market, which could include replacing the existing stalls with new, more manoeuvrable units, and improvements to the food court seating area.

Increased promotion of the market and events organised by the council and Mansfield BID are planned.
The council said it would keep traders up-to-date with up and coming events, promotions and news. It will also work with traders to identify training opportunities.

A decision about the layout and number of days that the market operates is expected to be taken later in the year once the results of the recent consultation, which had more than 4,000 responses, have been considered.

Coun Kate Allsop, portfolio holder for economic regeneration at the council, said: “The success of the market depends on the council and traders’ ability to change with the moving times.

“The council is using its financial and staffing resources to put together a package of support, which will help us achieve our vision for an active and vibrant market at the heart of our town centre.”