Last year, we revealed that the Ipswich market was more than 30% smaller than Ipswich Borough Council’s aim leading the local authority to invite more traders to the town.
However, stall owners feel there is not enough footfall and an increase in traders could lead to them going out of business.
Jane Riley, Portfolio Holder Culture and Customers, Ipswich Borough Council (Image: Contributed)
Jane Riley, portfolio holder culture and customers, Ipswich Borough Council, said: “We’re working to attract more traders.
“One way we’re doing this is by inviting traders from other towns to set up in Ipswich on days when they’re not operating at their usual locations, which has seen traders from other Anglia region market towns in Ipswich.”
The Latin Table, in Giles Circus, has been serving freshly-made food since 2017 and while they want to see the market thrive, they feel that the market is at capacity for food stalls due to the low footfall.
They said: “Our sales have seriously decreased in the last 18 months and its because the footfall is so sparse because people don’t know we’re here.
“If you told me a new trader was coming two years ago I’d be delighted but now the thought of it scares me.”
The Latin Table, in Giles Circus, feel that due to the lack of footfall, the market is at capacity for food stalls (Image: Oli Picton)
The owners went onto say that they’d like to see signage installed to make more people aware of the stalls as well as have the market back in the square on special occasions.
Mrs Riley added: “Ipswich Borough Council remains focused on revitalising the town centre and supporting local businesses.
“While updated market occupancy figures are being compiled, we understand from early indicators that usage at Giles Circus and Lloyds Archway saw a modest increase but fell short of our stretch target.”