Holywood Market

Potential exists for a market to operate as a social enterprise at Hibernia Street, Holywood. Discussions have already taken place between North Down Borough Council, statutory agencies, the Holywood Chamber of Commerce and the town centre management company regarding permission for the market. Council are to consider designating the street as suitable for trading. This could enable them to issue licences for street traders and collect a fee. The actual mechanism for licence allocation and fees to be charged, etc. have not yet been established.

It will be important for the market to complement the style and character of the existing Holywood retail environment. This is perceived as high quality, different and speciality shopping. Holywood Chamber of Commerce or town centre management is considering mechanisms to manage the market as a social economy enterprise but certain operational issues including the available human resources, marketing, transport, set up and storage of stalls, etc. will have to be worked out.

North Down Borough Council currently holds 12 market stalls, and the possibility may exist to negotiate the use of these stalls for the first two years of operation. This arrangement has not yet been established and would only be possible if an annual schedule of usage could be agreed with NDBC, etc. It is initially thought that the first market could not take place before Easter 2004, and that this event would be used to decide the continuation of the market, along with the proposed frequency, etc.

Holywood Chamber of Commerce or the town centre management company could be interested in applying to North Down LSP for a part-time post, based essentially in Holywood which could undertake the management and promotion of the market. The final decision about whether or not Holywood Chamber of Commerce or town centre management is involved with the market will be based upon the results of the business plan which will be developed as part of the Social Economy Programme.