Despite an impending closure at Nottingham’s Victoria Centre Market, several traders are determined to continue operations, reflecting a strong attachment to the historic site.
Nottingham’s Victoria Centre Market, a historic fixture in the city’s commercial landscape since its launch in 1972, is approaching a contentious and uncertain closure date. Originally slated to cease operations on 31 March, recent developments indicate that several traders are planning to remain in place beyond that date.
The market, which occupies a prominent location within the Victoria Centre shopping complex, opened its doors alongside the shopping centre itself, featuring two levels that accommodated 138 traders on the lower floor and 156 on the upper floor, along with a dedicated section for meat and fish stalls. Over decades, the market has served as an incubator for numerous businesses which have since expanded into successful ventures within Nottingham and beyond.
Nottingham City Council, which has overseen the market through various iterations, announced in February 2022 its intent to surrender its lease on the market. However, as time progressed, uncertainties regarding the closure timetable emerged, culminating in negotiations with Global Mutual, the asset managers for the Victoria Centre, proving to be complex and drawn out. Initially, traders were supposed to vacate the market last summer, but that deadline passed without definitive action.
Most recently, it was disclosed that only a handful of traders remain active at the market, with estimates suggesting around 15 still operating. Despite the impending closure, some traders, such as David Bowey, who runs Tick King, remain adamant about their continuation at the site. Bowey, who has operated his business at the market since its inception, has expressed his determination to avoid relocation until suitable compensation is presented. “The offer I have had so far covers one ninth of my relocation costs. I love this market, I love the history of this market, and I don’t want it to go,” he stated while voicing his attachment to the establishment.
Another trader, Stephen Taylor of Aladdin’s Cave, also plans to remain in the market. Taylor noted, “We still have 47 years on our lease and so the only way they can lawfully evict us is if we were to do something seriously wrong.” His family has maintained the general hardware store since his grandfather signed the lease, and he expressed hope that his grandchildren could one day take over the business.
The city council has indicated that ongoing discussions regarding the termination of the lease are still in progress, although they are unable to provide specific details due to the sensitive nature of the negotiations. They have mentioned that many traders have failed to meet rental obligations, leading the council to subsidise operations at the market.
A spokesperson for the Victoria Centre clarified that the operations and future are vested in Nottingham City Council, asserting, “The market is run and operated by Nottingham City Council and they have been – and remain – fully responsible for all decisions regarding its future.” The city council, meanwhile, reiterated that while some traders would be asked to vacate by the established deadline, others may remain in occupation past that date depending on individual circumstances.
Despite the looming closure, traders at the Victoria Centre Market remain resolute in their commitment to continue their businesses, reflecting a deep-rooted sense of pride in a market that has been part of Nottingham’s identity for over five decades. As the situation unfolds, the future of the market hangs in a delicate balance, with both the council and traders poised to navigate the complexities of local governance and business operations.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://westbridgfordwire.com/victoria-centre-market-traders-get-final-closure-date-to-leave/ – This article supports the statement that most traders were given a final closure date to leave the Victoria Centre Market. It mentions that the closure date for most traders was specified, aligning with the original deadline before recent developments.
- https://www.nottinghamworld.com/news/vicky-mcclure-painful-nottingham-market-closure-5036194 – This report highlights the emotional aspect of the market’s closure, noting its significance in Nottingham’s history and culture. It corroborates the importance of the market to local identity.
- https://www.instagram.com/bbceastmidlands/reel/DHrDRcNSb4W/ – This post from BBC East Midlands provides visual evidence of the market’s situation, noting that some traders are refusing to leave. It shows the determination of traders to stay past the closure date.
- https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/nottingham-nottinghamshire-news/traders-fight-save-nottingham-market-8502607 – Although not directly available, similar articles from local news sources often discuss traders’ efforts to save the market. They typically cover the challenges faced by traders and their resistance to closure.
- https://www.business-live.co.uk/commercial-property/nottingham-council-plans-close-victoria-23351180 – This article likely discusses the council’s decision-making process for closing the market. It would detail financial or operational reasons behind the closure and negotiations with traders.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative refers to recent developments, including a planned closure date that was initially set for 31 March. The ongoing negotiations and trader reactions suggest that the information is not outdated, although exact dates and outcomes are uncertain.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
Direct quotes from David Bowey and Stephen Taylor are included, but no earlier references to these specific quotes could be found online. This suggests they may be original sources or at least recent, although without further verification.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Nottingham Post, a local news outlet that is generally reliable for regional news. However, it may not be as globally recognized or comprehensive as major national or international publications.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about the market’s closure, trader resistance, and negotiations with the city council are plausible given the context of urban development and economic pressures. However, specific details such as lease terms and political negotiations could be verified further.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative appears to be current with ongoing negotiations and trader reactions. The quotes presented seem original or at least recent. While the source is generally reliable for local news, further verification of specific details would enhance confidence.
