Traders urge Council to save Open Market

Guest post by Luke Hopkins

Traders are gravely concerned as plans for the redevelopment of Brighton’s Open Market are in jeopardy.

Following Friday’s Cabinet meeting, held at Hove Town Hall, Councillors opted to defer the Cabinet’s decision to fund the development. This came after the submission of the planning application.

Paul Reynolds, an Open Market trader said: “The plans put emphasis on local producers and independent business, formed for the benefit of the community. Hopefully they will go through.”

Funding for the project is conditional upon planning consent being obtained and a building contract signed by 15 March 2011. The proposed developers, Hyde Housing, are due to present their case to a Planning committee on Wednesday 23rd February. A late decision could mean funding of £4.5 million could be lost, which would put an end to all plans.

Proposed plans for redevelopment of the Open Market will create 44 stalls arranged around a central square together with 12 workshop studios. The project will also create 87 new affordable homes.

Plans to redevelop the Open Market have been ongoing for several years, and traders fear that this is the last chance to make a difference to their livelihood.

“We have been working towards a development for seven years, every single aspect of the development has been taken into account,” added Mr Reynolds.

A representative from Hyde Housing said: “Hyde have worked closely with the Open Market Traders Association and Brighton & Hove Council from the start of the project.”

Concern is growing amongst traders and local residents that if plans are rejected, independent traders will disappear from the map, allowing larger retail chains to take over London Road.

By Luke Hopkins – luke_wti@hotmail.co.uk

See more on the Open Market story.

Related Posts:

• Open Market proposal gets the green light
• Tories accused of putting Open Market plans at risk
• Open Market plans brings hope to London Road

Tags: Open Market