Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has opened an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the operation and management of Portadown Market as part of a strategic aim to aid recovery and growth for the town.
Council is increasingly aware that towns across the borough face significant challenges as they reopen post lockdown, when the true impact of the pandemic will become more apparent. To address this, Council is taking proactive and targeted actions to stimulate recovery and regeneration by supporting local traders and businesses, with a view to fostering the right social and economic conditions to drive sustainable long-term growth.
This strategic focus was a key part of Council’s decision to seek EOI’s for Portadown Market, based on an emerging need to rejuvenate and enhance the existing provision. This open call is seeking to explore new operational models, ideas and opportunities, with a desire to increase footfall and boost Portadown as a shopping destination.
As part of Council’s Strategic Framework for Growth and Recovery, this regeneration project aims to provide a mechanism for engagement and focused investment in a way that will positively benefit Portadown, and its local community into the future.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Kevin Savage said:
“Last week, Council launched its Recovery and Growth Framework that sets out a series of aims to meet the immediate needs for economic regeneration within the borough. It addresses key actions linked to boosting tourism and footfall in towns, and delivering support to business of all sizes. The EOI for Portadown Market is part of this strategic vision, and it is hoped that it will provide a catalyst for transformational change, to set it on a path of renewed inclusive growth and prosperity.”
This is an excellent business opportunity for the area, with Council seeking interest from prospective market operators with a proven record of accomplishment in running markets, or similar enterprises. Applicants must also have experience of marketing markets, maintaining the area and supervising traders on a weekly basis. Joint bids will be considered where specialist expertise can be demonstrated.
The Expression of Interest document is available to download here.
