Doncaster MBC Future Markets Operation

Doncaster Council is seeking to appoint a contractor who can make their markets one of the best in the north of England. They wish to work with the contractors to establish the best fit for what the Council wishes to achieve.

There has been recent capital investment into the markets of 7 300 000 GBP. Securing the best market management and retail leadership will place the retail quarter in the top attractions in the area. Ambitious, enthusiastic expertise and investment will ensure the markets are vibrant for generations to come. The citizens of Doncaster want to see the markets remain as a key focal point of the town and working towards implementing this is a priority. The markets across Doncaster are ready to flourish and a new approach is needed to ensure they have the best advantage in a highly competitive retail environment required to fully embrace changing customer shopping trends, as the traditional demographic moves on and potential new customers are presented.

The following market assets are therefore within scope, all of which are currently delivered in-house by the Council:

- Wool Market,

- Corn Exchange,

- International Food Hall,

- Fish Market,

- Goose Hill (Non-Food),

- Lock Up Shops,

- Outdoor Market,

- Market hall and outer stalls at Mexborough

The contractor will focus on local abundance and provenance, welcoming visitors warmly and offering a unique experience to the consumer, recreating the bustle of the cattle/farmers market and introducing elements to simplify and futureproof such as; modern payment methods, shop and drop services to support shoppers, click and collect, baskets to encourage browsing and innovative storage and delivery solutions.

The markets will be strengthened in their position as being part of Doncaster's visitor attraction offer. They feature alongside some of our existing and newer attractions and events which aim to encourage people to come to the borough and experience what Doncaster has to offer as an appealing destination and for our residents to be proud of the attractions on their doorsteps.

What the Council are looking to achieve:

- adapt the traditional outlook of the markets in the face of changing demographics and the constantly modifying retail / consumer relationship. The markets will enhance its customer base, increase footfall and occupancy levels. The current occupancy rate is 74 % across the town centre portfolio,

- re-evaluate the markets estate will allow the stalls floorplan to be designed not only in a way to encourage footfall in all areas but aesthetically enhance the magnificent architecture,

- rejuvenate the market offer to attract wider sections of Doncaster's demographic, including those on their way home from work, younger people and look to tap in to the evening economy. This will be achieved by boosting the quality of produce sold, implement longer trading hours, open on more days of the week and inject new enterprises in to the mix,

- focus on the whole plac