Plans to move Stevenage Indoor Market leaves vendors' views split

On Wednesday, September 13, Stevenage Borough Council announced that the Indoor Market may be moving to a new location in the Park Place development.

If the right terms can be agreed, the council believes the move would "represent a great location" for existing tenants and new traders to move into.

The Comet spoke to traders at the Indoor Market to find out how they felt about the potential move. 

Some relished it, with trader Linda Chambers believing that it would be a "fresh start" and "may increase footfall" for the market.

Linda Chambers opened Subtle African Print in July (2024). (Image: Newsquest) The owner of Subtle African Print said: "I think it's a good thing, we are moving with the time and hopefully the new location will be more visible."

Kitrina Virture, who set up her business Sparkx seven weeks ago, described the move as "really good" and was pleased that the proposed location would be a more "active area".

According to the traders, Stevenage Borough Council conducted "one-to-one" meetings with each of them on Thursday to find out their needs and requirements for the move.

During these meetings, a provisional date of "January or February" was given to them, leading some to question what was going to happen to the current building.

Owner of the Key and Hardware stall Mark said: "We want reassurance, everything is word of mouth at the moment, and it is clear they are not telling us the whole truth."

David (left) and Mark are both established stall owners in the market. (Image: Newsquest) David who has run his optician's shop for almost 40 years, added: "It's all very sketchy, we know as much as anyone."

He described the move as a "lifeline" as long as traders are not "shafted" by contracts and leases following the move.

The general consensus was positive, and the "majority" seem to want the move, but cobbler Ali is left questioning what will happen to the current building.

Ali owns the Shoe and Watch Repair shop. (Image: Newsquest) He said: "I don't have a bad word to say about the council, the rent is cheap, and if they have the same system they have here, why not move?

"But this place is about 50/60 years old it will cost them a fortune to make the new space if it is in Park Place."

Councillor Jeannette Thomas, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources and Transformation at Stevenage Borough Council said: “The council is working closely with all traders to mitigate any concerns regarding the proposed relocation of the indoor market.

"The initial conversations with traders have been overwhelmingly positive, but as of yet nothing has been agreed. Park Place has significantly more footfall and visibility for the market.

“If the relocation of the indoor market takes place, the current car park will remain as is and we are seeking a user for the ground floor space under the car park. Any updates will be shared in due course.”