Harriet Roberts, NABMA’s Communications Consultant reports on NABMA’s regional meetings in Halifax and Warrington
“We’re half-way through our regional meetings tour and as a NABMA newbie, these gatherings have been a great opportunity to get to know members both sides of the Pennines. So far, our meetings have been held at The Piece Hall in Halifax and Warrington Town Hall.
“With policy updates from Personal Development Consultant, Steve Pickering and Joe Harrison, Chief Executive of the NMTF this was a useful opportunity to catch up with the wider issues affecting operators. Delegates have also had the option to explore two very different market sites. Both councils have big ambitions to put their markets at the heart of their town’s regeneration stories.
“Study boards and site plans of the Halifax Town Centre Delivery Plan were on show at the meeting in Halifax, held in a brand new conference room in the stunning, historic Piece Hall.
“Calderdale Council has spent on £100k on a detailed feasibility study and a significant public consultation, which looked at the most effective ways to preserve and enhance the historic market building for future generations to enjoy; options for bringing the residential properties (‘Streets in the Sky’) within the building back into use; options for enhancing the retail offer and facilities available within the building and solutions to ensure this important facility gains maximum benefit from proposed transport infrastructure investment delivered as part of the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund.
“The consultation closed in February 2018 and work is now taking place to feed public feedback into the feasibility study. The best bit of the day for me was exploring the hidden gem ‘Streets in the Sky’.
“In Warrington, we were given an overview of the £107 million Bridge Street Regeneration project and the team shared the lessons learned through the transitional period of moving the old market into the temporary 25,500 sq. ft. structural retail shell whilst the new, permanent £10 million market hall is being constructed.
“Thanks to the teams in Halifax and Warrington for their great hospitality and sharing their passion and their visions.
“Our next meetings are at Petticoat Lane There are still places available for our regional meetings in London and in Cambridge at the end of this month. I look forward to meeting you there!”