So Colchester Market could be on the move...again.Figures have confirmed what we all knew - that the market is simply not busy enough. In addition, the number of stallholders taking up pitches has fallen to a record low.
To those who have followed the saga of Colchester market over the decades, it will not be a surprise. The market has been moved from pillar to post in well-meaning but failed bids to make it a success.
In moving back to Colchester High Street three years ago, it was returning to its roots but there wasn’t quite the traffic using the main thoroughfare in Roman times as there is in 2019.
And if the High Street is open to traffic, it is far from the ideal place for a market.
Many of the stalls serve wonderful food, but the fumes from the cars going along the High Street add nothing to the flavour or ambience.
And is the traffic jostling for position really the best vista we can find in our beautiful town centre?
Look at the most successful markets in the region, like those in Bury St Edmunds and Norwich.
They are situated in town squares which are free of traffic.
That is what Colchester needs to emulate.
The town has had a Royal charter for a market for 900 years and still we haven’t found the right location for it.
What about the Cultural Quarter, off Queen Street?
That has a lovely square which would be perfect for a street market.
Oh, wait, there are already plans for that site....
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