Christchurch High Street Monday Market

Christchurch Borough Council is conducting the procurement using the Tender Method in accordance with the requirements of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 for the purpose of procuring Christchurch High Street Monday Market as described in the Specification of the Agreement.

The Council established a market in its area in May 1976 at the Central Car Park, Christchurch. In 1984 the market was held in the High Street, Christchurch and the Council decided that as from 16th January 2003 the weekly market should continue to be held in the High Street and, if available, Saxon Square, Christchurch each week on Mondays (the Street Market).

1. Scope of the Project

When Christchurch Borough Council held an Agency Agreement with Dorset County Council to act as the Highways Authority for the Borough, the market was regulated under Part VIIA of the Highways Act 1980. In 2014, the Agency Agreement with Dorset County Council ceased, and the street market as from 25th January 2016, will be regulated under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, being street trading legislation empowering Borough Councils to regulate such activities.

Saxon Square, Christchurch, adjoins the High Street, Christchurch, and is managed by a private company and can be subject to separate requests from them over and above the Market Agreement, but the Council has a good working relationship with the management company, and hopes to sustain the provision of stalls in that area.

Saxon Square is currently subject to a separate Market Agreement to that of the High Street, but as from the commencement of the new Agreement, being subjected to this tender process, both Saxon Square and the High Street will be included in the one Agreement between the Market Company and Council.

The average number of total stalls in the market is approximately 40. The Council does however, as far as possible, try to meet the requirements of local businesses and shop keepers and can at any time limit the location and number of stalls in the High Street, by way of variation to the Street Trading Consent.

The successful market management company will receive the management fees whatever the number of stalls, but under the Agreement, the Council may decide at any stage to cease the holding of the market if, for example, it considers it is no longer viable, or wanted by the businesses and users of the Town.

The Council therefore wishes to maintain a quality market, which contains a variety of market stalls selling a range of high quality goods and products that will encourage members of the public into the High Street, and other trading streets, and thereby contribute to the vitality of the Town Centre.