Brighton market to continue at new site (From The Argus)

Brighton market to continue at new site

3:40pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in News By Tim Ridgway, Local government reporter

Preparation work for the i360 tower means the West Pier Market has moved along Brighton beach

A popular seafront market has been temporarily saved – with a new site in the pipeline.

Hundreds of thousands of people have visited West Pier Market, near Brighton beach, since it launched in 1996.

However traders were told in October they would have to move as developers prepare for construction of the i360 observation tower.

After months of negotiation, landowner the West Pier Trust has agreed to allow a temporary market until work on the giant attraction begins.

Traders have also submitted a planning application for it to remain on the lower promenade but move to opposite the Hilton Brighton Metropole once work begins.

Rachel Clark, of the trust, said: “We have agreed to permit a temporary new market to trade on the land until construction of the i360 begins in late spring and early summer. The market will operate at weekends and bank holidays.”

More than 7,800 people signed a petition asking Brighton and Hove City Council to find stallholders an alternative place on the seafront to sell their wares.

Local authority bosses said at the time they were committed to ensuring an alternative site was provided.

New traders

A planning application has now been submitted by Peter Fijalkowski of West Pier Traders’ Association.

This will be for a temporary market every Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday for up to 25 pitches.

Being billed as the Brighton Beach Market, it would be made up of existing members of West Pier Market and new traders.

It would operate from between 9am and 8pm, depending on sunset, and would focus on arts and crafts and ethically sourced goods.

Two 20-metre metal containers would be installed and decorated so the stalls could be packed up and stored every day.

Ideal opportunity

Mr Fijalkowski said: “The market would provide an ideal opportunity for new start-up businesses.

“We have contacted the Seafront Traders’ Association and understand their concerns about the market affecting their businesses.

“To this end we will strive to ensure that all new traders would only be admitted after their stalls fitted in with the ethos of the market and they would not have a significant adverse affect on other businesses nearby.”

A decision is expected to be taken by the local authority by the end of April.

Any market with enquiries can call 07808 763830 or magialtwegg@me.com.

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