10 Mar 2023
After years of criticism dating back to the pandemic, St Albans district council has finally unveiled an action plan which hopes to restore the city’s beloved Charter Market to its former glory – but is it too late?
Live music, theatrical performances, performing arts and a fashion show are among the free activities that will be held to boost visitor numbers and create a vibrant atmosphere on Saturdays.
The events programme includes a roving dinosaur puppet on Saturday March 25 to publicise Dinosaur World Live at the Alban Arena, a performance of School of Rock by St Albans Musical Theatre Company on Saturday April 8 and some live theatre from Ovo Theatre on Saturday May 6.
A fashion show, featuring pre-loved clothes and accessories, will take place on Saturday May 13, organised by Hope House and St Albans Action for Homeless.
Other initiatives include allocating more free space to local charities, community groups and non-profit organisations so they can promote their good causes.
Work continues on attracting new traders, with recent additions including Matt Mager Beats & Beigels and zero waste grocer Sanjay, The Fruit and Veg Man, who turns all unsold food into relishes, sauces or compost.
Traders have been offered loans for new blue and yellow branded gazebos after plans to purchase 80 replacement traditional stalls were placed on indefinite hold due to a shortfall in council finances.
In January market manager James Ó Nuanáin promised councillors that a target figure of 33 out of 35 will be reached by the end of March, but this objective now seems unlikely with only a few of the gazebos in operation.
Cllr Danny Clare, who is responsible for markets, said: “The markets and events team, with the support of St Albans BID and market traders are delivering a plan to enhance the Charter Market offering and experience, and ensure there’s something to see and do on every visit.
“The market is already a major attraction and we want to ensure that is the case for each and every visit, both for residents and visitors. We are working with traders to provide products that are front of mind, whether that be the meal that was made on MasterChef this week, must-have fashion items, the new must-have health supplement, it will be there, and you’ll know about it up front.
“We are looking to make the market a focal point not just for shopping but also for cultural activity, empowering local performers with a unique opportunity to reach new audiences and publicise their shows.
“We are giving traders at the food court an additional pitch, free of charge, for seating and have chairs that we can loan out to them when the weather improves.”
But all of the proposals are for the busy Saturday market – with no suggestions on how the situation can be improved at the struggling Wednesday event. However, the St Albans Times has been informed that new initiatives will be introduced at the mid-week market soon to help with its regeneration in the coming months.
