An indoor market which received £375,000 via the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, to aid its refurbishment, is attracting new tenants and more shoppers, say promotors.
The £1.8million refurbishment of Idlewells Shopping Centre‘s indoor market in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, was completed in January 2018. The cost of the works was met by Ashfield District Council and with £375,000 from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP); which promotes economic growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Market promotors say that, since the refurbishment’s completion, trader occupancy has increased by more than 45%(now standing at over 85% of capacity) and that the market’s measure shopper footfall has increased by more than 11%. This is against a challenging time for retail premises nationally.
The latest traders to join the Idlewells indoor market are Dreamcatcher Gifts and Naboulsi’s Pizzeria & Cafe. Pictured are (L-R) Tom Goshawk, Capital Projects Manager for the D2N2 LEP; Abdel Naboulsi of Naboulsi’s Pizzeria & Caffe; Andrew Elson of Dreamcatcher Gifts; and Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council.
The refurbishment project created a new market entrance, roof space to allow more natural light, better accessibility, a new seating and café area, and new trader stall counters.
Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “We’re extremely proud to see the market busier than it’s been in a very long time, both in terms of traders and footfall. National figures show a 3.5% decrease in footfall across the country so to see the market on the rise is a real achievement.”
Tom Goshawk, Capital Projects Manager for the D2N2 LEP, added: “Town centres need strong retail centres and markets at their heart, which is why the D2N2 LEP co-funded the Idlewells indoor market refurbishment. It is great to see that this has led to an increase in trader and customer interest, despite a challenging time for retail premises nationally.”
Andrew Elson from Dreamcatcher Gifts said: “We have seen that over the last 20 years, indoor markets in general have struggled. It’s nice to see Idlewells Market busy with good footfall which we hope will continue to increase.”
Funding from the D2N2 LEP for the project came from its Local Growth Fund (LGF). It has been allocated more than £250million from the UK Government’s Local Growth Fund, to part-fund infrastructure projects in its area which directly help the economy and create jobs.
Local Enterprise Partnerships are playing a vital role in driving forward economic growth across the country, helping to build a country that works for everyone. That’s why by 2021 Government will have invested over £12billion through the Local Growth Fund, allowing LEPs to use their local knowledge to get all areas of the country firing on all cylinders. Government analysis has shown every £1 of Local Growth Fund invested could generate £4.81 in benefits.
Idlewells Market is open 9am-5pm Monday to Thursday, 8.30am-5pm Friday and Saturday. For further information see web link www.ashfield.gov.uk/visiting/markets-and-town-centres/idlewells-market/
Media wanting more information about the D2N2 LEP can contact Sean Kirby, D2N2 Communications Manager, on 0115 9578749 or email: sean.kirby@d2n2lep.org
