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HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL The Shire Market feasibility study Appendix- participants email comments on visits to Uplands Market and Abergavenny market And thoughts on a pilot destination market in Haverfordwest

Loches Market March 2019

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Uplands Market 26 January 2019 We spoke to a number of stall holders and in general they expressed an interest in coming to Haverfordwest for a monthly market, providing it didn't clash with other commitments. Sarah Peach Accessories (Swansea) , Folk Soap , Little Black Hen and Baker's Pig all liked the idea. One farm trader with lovely meats said they couldn't commit to another market and the furniture manufacturer from Swansea (with whom we ordered a £370 bench!) would not come. Caws Teifi Cheese always attends tour Farmers Market on a Friday. He said his turnover was about 5x ! higher at Uplands compared to Haverfordwest at this time of the year. We also spoke with one local dress shop (where we spent £65). She disliked the market and said that most local traders especially the local hairdresser were unhappy about the market on the grounds that on the market day customers found it difficult to park and turnover was distinctly down. She felt that was typical of most local retailers, except the cafes. She was also upset by the total lack of consultation about the market start-up. Listening to Ben from Urban Foundry (?) Consultancy, he said that there were 40 pitches there today and each pitch paid £47.50. The website lists 72 stall holders. As of 2019, costs for a pitch is £47.5 and about half for a shared pitch. There is an £5 additional power charge. The market hires the pitches and erects them according to the trader’s commitment (needed up to 2 weeks before). For this the market paid about £20 / pitch for hire, erection and dismantlement. Ben estimated a footfall of around 6-700 people today climbing to 3000 on a good day (summer time). Prospects for Haverfordwest: The Castle Square looks ideal (20 pitches would be a good start) and initially traffic flow could proceed normally. If the market took off one could imagine stalls up the centre of the High Street with cars going down Quay Street. Access to the market would be even easier with the new passageway from Castle Lake. The shops in Bridge Street should not object as people can't park there anyway. If the Market went up the High Street, shops like Bonkers and others up the High Street could be affected. Whatever they should be consulted about the pilot markets. The idea of laying on a special Market Bus Service for the day going to nearby villages was thought to have merit. certainly, for the first few markets. After that the service could be make fee paying it the free service was actively taken up. Regards, Richard & Marjorie Baker. Hello Chris, Despite the weather, a positive visit. Thank you. It would have been good to see more stallholders, but as one explained, January is a quiet month. Location: good. I’m glad they stuck out for it since it’s easily visible from the main road. I’m surprised they missed out on a sign, either as a board or suspended. We could have a banner. Lots of terraced housing in the vicinity (= people) Parking location not obvious, but roadside spaces nearby.

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Back-to -back stall positioning practical, allowing for easy pedestrian circulation. Quite good footfall, and people were buying. The lady in front of me buys olives there every month. The bread (soda bread) looked good and tastes good as well. Baked nearby. The pizza man sold wood-fired pizzas and would be glad to come down to Hwest. The fresh veg stall from Aberaeron way comes down to Hwest. Everyone was happy to talk and were positive. Unusual to see charcuterie, even hand-made soap. Everything looked good and fresh. I meant to find out how much the wooden benches cost! The baklavas looked tempting. Were they really £4 each? There was always a group of people watching the entertainment: I watched a poetry reading. Shops nearby, tenanted, included luxury cake shop, Tesco, cleaner’s, charity outlet, a pub opposite etc. Cafes included Crumbs where we went. It was doing a roaring trade. Interesting to see a pork butcher. I wonder if some of the traders from Hwest top town would have an outlet, eg Roch James the butcher’s, or the oriental veg and produce shop in Dew Street run by Abul Hussein of the Taj Mahal etc. Just like the Welsh Bakers in Friday Riverside Market. Craft / art display can be a draw, especially in summer. Finally, here’s Walthamstow Market: https://walthamforest.gov.uk/content/walthamstow-market I went there once and couldn’t move! Reading between the lines I think providers are trying to ensure that quality is up to scratch, and food is key. Traders with cards or info, and interested in further contact: The Baker’s Pig – charcuterie by Andrew & Liz Baker from Brynamman. Tel 01269 823010 / 07907712202 the bakerspig@outlook.com + Facebook Popty Pizza – wood-fired pizzas, thin crust, includes veggie and vegan). Tel 07974060909. FB Popty Pizza poptypizzas@gmail.com www.poptypizza.com (the extra s in the email address is as on his leaflet) The Olive Bar – huge selection of olives at £3.20 200 grammes plus olive oil etc. Gerain Thomas, Unit 7 Maesteg Business Centre, Tyle Tex, Maesteg CF34 9LT Tel 07801 703326 olivesetc@btinternet.com Photos to follow, and I’m sure there was something else to mention! Regards, Sue First, thanks for organising the trip which we both enjoyed. I have summarised our thoughts below as bullet points as I thought getting a response to you was more important than writing an essay J • The venue chosen will be key and I know there is interest in Castle Square and High Street, but

Swan Square and environs might be better as it is just as accessible, has room to spread (the Old Bridge, rear of the library, lower Holloway) and would not disrupt any through traffic so less likely to attract opposition.

• Not all business in Uplands were happy about the market – although I would think Crumbs

would be ecstatic J • A lot of the things on sale were quality foods and charged at a premium rate – when compared

to, say, Lidl, Aldi or Morrison’s which are all within easy walking distance of Castle or Swan Square – and as such would not suit everyone; Haverfordwest (and Pembrokeshire generally) being one of the poorest parts of the UK. To be successful we think the market should include a mix of foods but also everyday items such as haberdashery, small household items etc., more akin to a traditional market.

• Haverfordwest already has a well-established weekly farmer’s market which sells quality foods

similar to those on sale in Uplands so any new initiative shouldn’t displace the existing traders by replicating what already happens – that way neither will succeed.

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• To initiate the scheme perhaps the first few markets should be free to stall holders to encourage them to test the water, thereafter fees should be the minimum necessary to cover costs

• Would there be a way to tie in with events in the new library – for example a story-telling

morning for children would leave the parents free for an hour to peruse the market. I’m sure there’s are lot’s more things Helen and I discussed but and if I recall them I will send another email Dave Harries Observation on Uplands market visit. I enjoyed the experience. At the talk at the Picton Centre I did expect a larger market. There was a good variety of stalls. There were many stall holders from Pembrokeshire. On speaking to the Pembrokeshire stall holders they felt that it was worth travelling to Uplands. I spoke with stall holders and there was great interest in setting up a destination market in Haverfordwest Chris Thomas Dear Chris, Firstly, thanks for organising this trip. It was very interesting to see for real and illuminating to meet and talk with its originator and manager( name escapes me ). I’m just having some of the produce we bought there for lunch today as it happens. It was very impressive to see so many stalls present even on a cold and wet January Saturday. The key to their presence is the footfall available to come and see and spend. Being situated in a suburban area of a large town like Swansea makes getting that footfall so much easier. Clearly Harrywest can’t match those no’s and so is probably never going to attract/support so large a market even in the best months. Choosing a day which does not clash with any other established market eg Aberystwyth, Swansea will make it more likely that it will attract stall holders and thus footfall. Finding some way in which to make the market stand out will also help . Given our proximity to Ireland would it be worth exploring getting stall holders from there to attend ? The market could thus claim to be international which ought to pique interest in locals. That presupposes easy travel back and forth which I suppose is uncertain at present. Obviously, your stated aim of widening the scope of the market would also make it more attractive. It might be worth recalling the origin of H’west as a market town in the 12th century. Traders were attracted to what was then a dangerous borderland by the prospect of no taxes / charges upon their trade. If it were feasible to support a charge free market that might draw more and a wider range of traders. Anyway, that’s my ten pennorth. I’m looking forward to the trip to Abergavenny. Regards Richard Hi Chris, First of all well done for organising the trip today it was both informative and a nice day out! Re: my thoughts in the subject of a monthly Shire Market I think it a marvellous idea and speaking to Ben was very useful. I think that a market bus service for outlying villages could possibly increase footfall on market days. Maybe rounding people up in the morning and returning just after lunchtime? I also wonder if there’s scope to offer a free stall to student entrepreneurs at Pembs College or maybe a rolling programme of a free stall for say 3 months at a time to a nascent business that meets some predetermined criteria?

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I wonder if doing so may ultimately help with some funding for the market? Just a thought!! Susie x Abergavenny Market 22 February 2019 Chris Thank you for organising this trip which was both enjoyable and educational. Now to your questions: It would be difficult to replicate Abergavenny's market in Haverfordwest as we have no similar space in which to do so. I particularly liked the Monmouth CC officers' attitude to the event in that it must be run as a business and must make a profit. As you know, I am wary of projects that need capital grants to set-up and then revenue grants to continue. I should have asked of the officers what profit Abergavenny market realised as the figure of £60+K quoted was from all their sites and activities. I also like the way street traders' licences were taken out as block bookings by third parties so as to allow flexibility when issuing. If we go ahead then I think we should look to block book Castle Square and the Old Bridge. I also like pairing markets with other events (eg a market and a music festival) and having seasonal and single issue markets (eg a Toy fair) Question 3 1•Quality of the traders’ offer 1•Variety of stalls and traders - makers and producers giving a wide range of choice. 3•A range of street food 2•Street Entertainment 4•Relaxed public space - street vehicle closures 5•Wet weather or supporting indoor market options Question 5 Ideally such a market should be run by a Town centre manager under the existing Town Team. Alan Buckfield Hi Chris, Sorry l have not got back to you sooner. I have filled in below answers to your questions, hope this helps. Q1 What did you like about Abergavenny market - and what didn’t you like?

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Like, The location of the market, and that there was available outdoor space for stalls. Didn’t, The range of products on offer on the day we attend, only thing that appealed to me was the fruit and veg stalls and the local bakery products. Q2 For those of you who went to both Uplands and Abergavenny markets, which did you prefer and why? Although I didn’t attend the Uplands market, l think the uplands type of market would be more suitable in Haverfordwest. Q3 What do you think is important in creating a sustainable “destination market” in Haverfordwest? Please rate the following points in order of importance to you (1 = most important):

• 1/ Quality of the traders’ offer • 2/ Variety of stalls and traders - makers and producers giving a wide range of choice. • 3/ A range of street food • 5/ Street Entertainment • 6/ Relaxed public space - street vehicle closures • 4/ Wet weather or supporting indoor market options

Q5 How do you envisage a market being run - A Town Centre Manager working two days a week running the market also with a role working within the town with the Business Circle and other bodies to bring forward more events. Any other comments? I would like to see an outdoor market in the town centre but I think the offering needs to be more artisan than what we saw in Abergavenny , as for the site of the market I would like to see it on Castle Square and the lower part of the Castle Lake car park especially now that this new link has been created. Or an alternative could be for Haver Hub to take on the management and have an indoor market in the indoor halls and courtyard which with our inclement weather would take away a lot of uncertainty of holding a market on a regular basis. Dear Chris Thanks for the prompt. Having questions to answer makes it easier to crystallise one’s thoughts. Q1 I liked the architecture of the market, I liked that there was more than one way in and out,I liked its centrality, I liked that it had TWO record stalls ! I liked its size and variety and I liked that stalls could be offering ( to me ) absolute tat, apparently successfully. Not sure there was anything I didn’t like. Q2 I think I preferred Abergavenny as it was protected from the weather. Q3 Factors of importance Variety 1, Indoor option 2, Street Food 3, Quality 4, Street closure 5, Entertainment 6. Q4 Sympathetically, while the traders establish themselves and the market which may take some time. Regards Richard Hi Chris

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Many thanks for coming to Abergavenny. The day seemed to go very quickly- I hope you found the meeting interesting and informative and enjoyed the nice weather afterwards and had a good journey home. Yes a very good day and thought provoking, as well as providing a nice informal way for the different groups to socialise together… a hidden bonus. While it's fresh in our minds I thought i'd ask for your feedback. I’d be very grateful if you could answer a few questions. (Happy for any other comments too.) Q1 What did you like about Abergavenny market - and what didn’t you like? A1 Large bespoke light and spacious market hall. Nice that many stalls were not fixed. Felt more airy and flexible. Gave the impression that the market wasn’t always going to be the same. Also liked the big open area out the back entrance – allows for a mixed event. The art work hanging from the ceiling was good. Local artists etc. Liked the permanent sign saying what days the different markets were every week. They didn’t have loos sorted! I had a chat with the lady mayoress as I bumped into her as I was talking to stall holders. She said they col Q2 For those of you who went to both Uplands and Abergavenny markets, which did you prefer and why? Didn’t see uplands Q3 What do you think is important in creating a sustainable “destination market” in Haverfordwest? Please rate the following points in order of importance to you (1 = most important):

• Quality of the traders’ offer joint 3rd • Variety of stalls and traders - makers and producers giving a wide range of choice. 2 • A range of street food 3 • Street Entertainment 4 • Relaxed public space - street vehicle closures 5 • Wet weather or supporting indoor market options 1

Q5 How do you envisage a market being run – not sure what you are getting at here. But the Abergavenny model was good. LA market team working with specific TC members, I think. But if there was a chance for a paid post to ‘event manage’ markets from Haverhub- we would be delighted I am sure. Other thoughts – as HH has a venue for indoor and slightly outdoor markets – we could manage some markets – also working with the LA to spill over into the river bit behind us and along the river to Bristol Trader. Quayside market. And town centre markets could be run by whoever manager the shops .. or the new Ocky Whites manager if they have one. The two ends need to be planned together so they alternate or certainly don’t clash. And Whole Town Market would mean working together Any other comments? The most striking thing was their comments about EVENING markets – 6-9 great fit for Pembs and families. We will have a go at these for sure. Castle square would be good for flea markets or food markets in evenings with open mic etc. What I would say is if the town is seriously going to go for it – a market planner and admin support (wherever housed) to make a coherent and well thought out approach – looking for new themes we can build into big annual events where we put ourselves on the map. kind regards Chris Thanks for a great trip. Very interesting. Gitti Hi Chris, An interesting day. Q1 What did you like about Abergavenny market - and what didn’t you like? That it was in the centre of town and had been there for ages. Felt the stalls in Abergavenny were overall of a lower standard than at Uplands. Perhaps if you are going to pay more, you have to have a better range of products.

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Q2 For those of you who went to both Uplands and Abergavenny markets, which did you prefer and why? Abergavenny because it's always there, like our old market on the Cleddau, but it had differing offerings over the year to keep it "fresh" if I understood the presentation in the Mayor's parlour correctly. Q3 What do you think is important in creating a sustainable “destination market” in Haverfordwest? Please rate the following points in order of importance to you (1 = most important):

• Quality of the traders’ offer 1 • Variety of stalls and traders - makers and producers giving a wide range of choice.2 • A range of street food 3 • Street Entertainment 5 • Relaxed public space - street vehicle closures 4 • Wet weather or supporting indoor market options (you can't do much about the weather, if

it wet numbers will be down- even in shops!

Q5 How do you envisage a market being run - As we have no central space in Haverfordwest for a covered market as Abergavenny of Carmarthen, then a regular, monthly, "destination market" in Castle Square as district from the regular weekly market by Wilkinson’s would seem a good way to start. Perhaps the weekly traders could move to Castle Square whenever there's a monthly market. Any other comments? Thanks for your efforts. I found the presentations by both Monmouthshire CC and Abergavenny Town council as illuminating as the apparent shocked reactions of our officials! Regards, Richard & Marjorie