Agenda item

To receive an update on the progress of the Wellington Market Regeneration project.

The Head of Service: Regeneration & Investment provided an update on the progress of the Wellington Market Regeneration Project. Members were informed that Telford & Wrekin Council acquired the market through a successful Local Regeneration Fund bid in 2023, with the regeneration programme combining building repairs with a refreshed retail, food and leisure offer.

The objectives of the project included increasing footfall and dwell time, improved accessibility and circulation, preserving the market's historic features, creating a stronger sense of arrival, and developing a sustainable entertainment programme. The project also formed part of the wider regeneration of Wellington, aimed at supporting the local economy and attracting visitors.

Members heard that the project had been designed to address legacy maintenance and fire safety requirements. Structural works and floor space was tailored to different business types and trading needs, while ensuring customers could move smoothly throughout the market. The roof, insulation, heating, ventilation and entrance door upgrades had been designed to respect the conservation-area setting.

The next phase of the project was supported through stakeholder engagement activities. Group Ginger and PaveAways delivered the detailed design proposals, taking into account feedback received from stakeholders and the historic significance of the building. Stakeholder engagement played a key role in the design with six distinct stall typologies including: open gondolas, lock up units with over-counter trade and back area, free standing lock-up kiosks, lock-up walk in units, pop up retail area and café/bar.

The Head of Service: Regeneration & Investment presented an overview of Wellington Market in its existing form and outlined the proposed redevelopment, using colour coding to illustrate the different service areas within the market. Members noted that public feedback had highlighted difficulties with manoeuvrability within the existing layout. The proposed design demonstrated improved sightlines and the removal of pinch points, which it was anticipated would enhance accessibility and create a more navigable environment for visitors.

The Committee was informed that significant progress had been made, with 24 traders having moved into permanent new or refurbished units. Approximately 50% of the roof replacement and insulation programme had been completed, while Phases 1, 2 and 3 of the regeneration programme had been successfully delivered. New customer facilities had been installed within both the Market Hall and the Cow Shed, and the market had remained open and trading throughout the construction programme.

Members noted that Phase 1 had delivered 12 permanent internal and external trading units, together with modern customer toilet facilities, accessible provision and baby changing facilities. Phase 2 had resulted in the creation of the Cow Shed food and beverage destination, six new trading units, enhanced customer facilities, a larger replacement canopy and the first gondola-style trading unit for Top Fruits. Phase 3 had provided a further 13 new units, including bespoke deli counters, traditional lock-up stalls and a second gondola-style unit.

Members were advised that trader engagement had been integral to the design and delivery of the regeneration programme. This had included trader meetings, workshops and one-to-one discussions throughout the project. Bespoke planning had been undertaken with individual traders in relation to stall layouts, power requirements, fit-out works and any necessary relocations.

The Committee noted that traders had received regular communication through weekly WhatsApp and email progress updates, direct correspondence, a dedicated project email address and refreshed wayfinding information. In addition, support had been provided through trader marketing initiatives, social media training and business mentoring. The Head of Service: Regeneration & Investment commended the work of the Communications Team in delivering the ‘Talking Heads’ programme. Members were advised that the initiative had provided stall holders with an opportunity to share and publicise their experiences of relocation and to showcase their businesses.

The Committee heard that the immediate focus would be on progressing Phase 4, maintaining clear wayfinding arrangements and preparing for the remaining construction phases. Work would also continue to explore interest from prospective occupiers, develop future operating arrangements for the Cow Shed and bar facilities, considering the potential reconfiguration of 5 Market Street into smaller retail units, and prepare final opening and launch arrangements while ensuring the project remained within the approved capital funding envelope.

The Committee welcomed the update and commended officers for their efforts in supporting traders throughout the redevelopment process. In response to questions regarding eligibility for rental concessions and the future of the late-night market, the Head of Service Delivery r: Regeneration  & Investment confirmed that rental concessions had been  automatically applied to all stallholders. It was further noted that provision for the continuation of the late-night market had been considered as part of the market's design and redevelopment plans.

The update was noted.