Contract for Concessionary Market Licence Agreement - Seaham

Durham County Councils (hereafter referred to as the Council) vision for their street markets is that they should be well-managed, integrated components of successful town centre economies. They should offer good quality and value local produce and speciality goods that support our communities. Shopping in County Durham's markets should be a pleasurable experience, characterised by high quality, accessible stalls, with a mix of well-trained and passionate traders and links to retail stores and town centre events and attractions.

Markets operating across County Durham have the opportunity to make significant contributions to the vitality of the county's town centres. The Councils Revitalising Markets Strategy for Supporting the Growth and Enhancement of County Durham's Street Markets recommended that the Council should develop a strategic approach to improve the performance of markets. The Council have already made significant capital investment across our town centres, where markets operate, via the delivery of a suite of town centre Masterplans.

We will therefore be seeking to award licences to third parties to operate our street markets who will support the Council achieve the vision for their markets as well as playing a role in the wider ambition to have thriving town centres.

This will include working with operators, traders and partner organisations to take appropriate steps to promote market activity within town centres and maximise opportunities for economic growth