Bromsgrove District Council on the hunt for new market provider after notice served on CJ Events deal - The Bromsgrove Standard

Bromsgrove District Council on the hunt for new market provider after notice served on CJ Events deal

Bromsgrove Editorial 14th Feb, 2018 Updated: 20th Feb, 2018   0

BROMSGROVE District Council is on the hunt to find a new market provider after the agreement with CJ Events Warwickshire came to an end.

A spokesperson for the authority said the tendering process was being drawn up after the company gave notice on the link-up which will finish in June.

She added Bromsgrove was looking for an operator to manage the outdoor market to its full potential and attract more shoppers and stall-holders to what was a thriving town.

During the two-year partnership, as well as the weekly markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays, there were themed markets and events.




Among them were the successful first ever Bromsgrove Food Festival and the Italian Market.

The Christmas Market which was due to be held over the festive season had to be cancelled because of snow.


Jamie Walker from CJ Events told The Standard whilst some events were successful others that were tried did not go as well as expected.

He said one example was a Halloween market which went really well in Warwick but did not have the same impact in Bromsgrove.

“There was a big difference in footfall and, following an internal review, we felt it was not viable to continue running Bromsgrove.”

Coun Karen May, whose portfolio covers Economic Development, said: “Bromsgrove is a market town so it’s an important part of our heritage.

“Over the last couple of years particularly we have seen Bromsgrove flourish with new independent and high street names coming to town.

“We are taking this opportunity to look for a market operator who will complement our thriving town, our events and promote our ever-growing community spirit and, most of all work with us to continue to create an even better Bromsgrove.”

The procurement process will begin in March and interested parties are urged to keep an eye out so they can submit their application.

Dean Piper, Head of North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration (NWEDR) which manages the market contract on behalf of the council, said: “We are seeking an operator that can provide a high quality and diverse outdoor market in Bromsgrove town centre and the new specification will reflect this.”

He added he was looking forward to receiving proposals from suitably qualified and experienced operators.

* WHAT do you think? What kind of markets and events would you like to see in Bromsgrove Town Centre? What have you seen working well in other towns which you feel will also thrive in Bromsgrove? Email your views to [email protected] or write to us at the address on the letters page.

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