A ‘FRESH look’ and new traders are coming to Rugby’s town centre market.
The market is to be run by a specialist operator for the first time, aiming to ‘bring new life’ into the market and the town.
Rugby Borough Council (RBC) has appointed CJ’s Events to run the market on the council’s behalf, after a consultation showed public appetite for more food and drink, and craft and speciality stalls.
CJ’s Events will manage Rugby’s market from Friday February 3, aiming to increase stall numbers and footfall.
The operator – which currently runs weekly markets in Warwick and Kenilworth, as well as various other specialist markets and events in Warwickshire and the West Midlands – is working with current and past traders, and is looking to bring in new traders to increase the choice of produce.
RBC leader Coun Seb Lowe, Leader of Rugby Borough Council, said: “Recent consultations on our town centre regeneration strategy show strong public support for a revitalised market, and contracting a specialist operator will give it the best change of thriving.
“With their knowledge and experience, CJ’s Events will bring a fresh look and new traders. And with the right support the market can bring a new generation of residents to shop with town centre businesses.”
Jamie John Walker, Company Director at CJ’s Events, said: “We look forward to working closely with Rugby Borough Council to bring new life into not only the market, but also the town.
“We are confident that we can deliver a quality market which will help drive footfall into the area, helping local businesses to thrive.”
The switch is one of the first changes the council is making as part of the Rugby Town Centre Regeneration Strategy, a 15-year plan to bring new homes and new retail, independent retail and leisure uses to the town centre.
The plan also proposes to bring the council and other public services together in a one-stop shop ‘Rugby Hub’, create greener streets and spaces, prioritise routes and links for walking, cycling and public transport, and improve links to the railway station.
The market, which operates on Fridays and Saturdays, has been trading in Rugby under a Royal Charter since 1235 on various sites, including off Railway Terrace and at Gas Street. It is currently trading on its original site at Market Place in the centre of the town.
The market is currently run by the town centre’s not-for-profit management company Rugby First, which has supported the switch to a specialist operator.
CJ’s Events is already working with existing traders to prepare for the transition. New traders can sign up at www.cjseventswarwickshire.co.uk or by calling 01926 800750.
