Market development plans put on display

McAulay Ltd, which rents the historic buildings, has put forward several plans for redevelopment of the area in recent months. All of the proposals are currently on display in the Inner Street for the public to view, along with feedback forms.

The Market Action Group is behind the Facebook page Bring Back Our Markets, which was set up in January to promote a return to traditional market stalls.

Market Buildings’ Sonia Taylor said the company was in discussions with various local forums who have expressed an interest in using the units.

‘Our proposals include access to the toilets below the former restaurant unit via the Inner Street and access to the kitchen facilities which will support the external kiosk and inner street offering,’ she said.

The Market Buildings website contains details of the Inner Street, including benches with retractable seats and charging points for people to use during lunchtimes.

Founder of the Market Action Group Korinne Le Page said the plans McAulay Ltd have proposed were promising.

‘It’s aesthetically pleasing and the stallholders will be able to close up the shutters at night. We’re hoping to see fruit and vegetables sold here along with other local produce, cheeses, charcuterie, local gin and cider.

‘The supermarkets were providing everything in one place but people’s shopping habits have changed now. People want to see more environmentally-friendly packaging and local produce. This is part of a bigger project to support the island’s growers.

‘We need local support for this because we really want it to become a hub, we’re very happy to have the support of the Market buildings,’ she said.

Some of the planning applications made already include a glass awning in the square, takeaway kiosk structure on the terrace by HMV and a new retail space within Les Arcades where the restaurant unit was previously.

n The exhibition is available for the public to view in the Inner Street, Monday to Saturday from 8am-7pm.