Wick indoor market could be extended beyond trial run
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THE organisers of Wick’s indoor market are looking into the possibility of extending the venture beyond its initial four-week trial period.
The trial run was organised by the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council and took place every Saturday during September in the foyer of Caithness House, the Highland Council building in the town’s Market Square.
Community council secretary John Bogle said he was delighted at the success of the trial series. He is now looking into the cost of running further markets in the same premises.
“I am waiting for a response from Highland Council regarding permission to hold more markets and what the rental cost would be,” he explained. “For the trial period Highland Council gave us a ‘special rate' but even with that we had to charge stallholders £15 per week, which is a bit more than most other market-type events.
“I quite understand that Highland Council needs to cover its additional costs such as heat and power, paying someone to come in to open and close the building and cleaning after the market, but I don't think they should be trying to make a profit as it is benefiting the town and they are partners in the town centre regeneration project.”
Mr Bogle was pleased that the market – featuring a range of stalls, including arts and crafts and some food and drink – had been busy on each of the four Saturdays.
“We had fine weather for two of them and wet weather for the other two but still the customers flocked in,” he said.
Many commented on was how much of a social occasion a visit to the market was.
“All the stallholders did good business, with the home-baking stalls selling out most days. The stallholders have expressed an interest in the market continuing in Caithness House until such time as a permanent home is found for it.
“Customers also generally approved of the market, although some would like to see more food stalls such as fresh fruit and veg. Many people commented on how much busier the town centre was, which is great because the concept of the indoor market was seen as integral to town centre regeneration.
“Hopefully town centre businesses benefited from increased footfall.
“Another aspect that was many commented on was how much of a social occasion a visit to the market was – it was difficult to get round because you kept meeting people and chatting. Stallholders and customers alike said how friendly the atmosphere was.”
Feedback from the trial run will help inform a feasibility study on possible community use of the former Original Factory Shop in the town centre.
One positive outcome from the trial is that the outdoor market in Wick – which had been running at a couple of stalls – will have about five this weekend.
Caithness civic leader Willie Mackay, who represents Wick and East Caithness, said he was delighted the trial run had been a success and he hoped the market could continue with a view to a permanent venue being found.
But he added: “We must remember this was a trial with ‘special rate’ concessions from the local authority in using Caithness House. Even more importantly I would like to know if other shops and premises in High Street and Bridge Street had increased business.
“Mr Bogle says that 'hopefully' town centre businesses will have benefited from the footfall. I would want to know if they did.
“Highland Council cannot continue to offer special rates to the indoor market stallholders if the businesses in Bridge Street and High Street are not having success as well. We have shopkeepers in the town centre who are full-time and want to earn a living from their business.
“I would like to think they are having increased earnings as well as those offered a special rate when having a stall at the indoor markets in Caithness House. If they weren't then that wouldn't be fair.”
A Highland Council spokesperson pointed out that facilities hire charges are available online, adding: "Highland Council is fully supportive of the market and continues to work with the organisers for future market dates."
