UPBEAT traders on Redditch market say they believe the arrival of new management team Sketts heralds a bright new dawn for the town centre attraction.
Stratford-based Sketts are major market operators in the Midlands and have promised a number of initiatives, including using demountable gazebo stalls which would open up Church Green and Alcester Street when the market is not on.
Chairman of the Redditch traders association Chris Sutton says the moves will convince any doubters over the market’s success.
He said: “We’re a bit fed up with the negative feedback we’re getting on the market while we’re in the process getting things ready with Sketts.
“Yes, there are empty stalls when the market is only half occupied but all these will go when Sketts bring in their gazebos.
“They have some fantastic plans to enhance the market but these can’t all be done at once and the traders are fully behind what they are proposing.”
The company trialled one of the new gazebos last week and the bright attractive additions would make the market more welcoming, added Mr Sutton.
“No one likes change but the atmosphere among the traders has changed dramatically,” he said.
“Everyone is very positive and we totally support the new market manager George Skett and we would ask the public to come with us on this journey ready to discover their brand new market.”
As well as introducing the new gazebo stalls, Sketts is planning on putting on more entertainment, more themed markets and more attractions with an official opening planned for sometime in May.
