2020
Overwhelming public support for plans to redevelop Arnold Market Place
Date Posted: 4:00 PM on Thu, 9 April 2020Gedling Borough Council purchased the former market site in Arnold back in 2018 and have been developing designs including a new two storey building and market.
The council held a four week long public consultation and received almost 2,000 responses from local residents, visitors and businesses on what they thought of the proposals. The consultation included a number drop in sessions and public exhibitions as well as an online questionnaire and survey.
Videos and images of the designs have been available to view on the council’s website www.gedling.gov.uk/arnold-market-survey since the consultation launched and information boards were on display at Arnold Library and the Civic Centre, Arnold. Although the consultation period is now over the videos and designs are still available to view online.
The Council spoke face to face with more than 1,500 residents as part of the events, as well as speaking with over 50 traders and businesses about what the plans mean to them.
Around 75% of the responses received were in favour of the redevelopment, with the majority wanting to see more done in terms of developing and supporting local independent shops and small business start-ups.
Feedback also showed that residents would like to see further improvements to support the wider town and existing retailers, with many stating they would rather shop locally to support the high street than travel elsewhere.
The online survey asked what would encourage people to visit the town centre more often and from the results over 75% of people said specialty markets and events, 75% said a traditional weekly market and almost 40% said public events and performances.
A number of comments received also suggested a mix independent retail, specialty market sellers and local business start-ups were high on the list of resident’s priorities for the site, as was a new public space suitable for community focused events.
Now that residents and business have been able to look at the designs and ideas, the council will work through the feedback and continue to develop the project. Despite the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, the council is keen to continue with the plans for Arnold Market, and will be working to review designs and move forward with the proposals.
The council is now working to finalise a scheme, taking into account the feedback and comments received, with the next steps for the project including creating a detailed business case and submitting a planning application this summer.
Deputy Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor Michael Payne Said;
“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to be able to give our residents an update on Arnold Market, and the consultation we ran was the first time we’ve really shown how ambitious our plans are. The market area, for many, is the heart of Arnold Town Centre, and I’m proud that we are able to invest in this and give our residents and businesses a high street they deserve.
We’re listening to what residents and businesses want here, we’re making changes based on their feedback and suggestions. This isn’t going to be just a lick of paint, when the new market and surrounding areas are finished, it’s going to be a place residents want to visit and businesses want to be a part of.
I can’t wait to see it all come together, there has been a lot of work go into this project and when it’s finished it’s really going to be something special.”