Expression of Interest opened for Portadown Market

Council is increasingly aware that towns across the borough face significant challenges and huge pressures as they reopen post lockdown, when the true impact of the pandemic will become more apparent.

To address this, ABC 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 Expression of Interest’s for Portadown Market, based on an emerging need to rejuvenate and enhance the existing provision and boost the local economy.

This open call is seeking to explore new operational models, ideas and opportunities, with a desire to increase the footfall and boost Portadown as a shopping destination and a tourist attraction, once the restrictions are lifted.

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 as a whole, including all the local businesses, its community as well as their residents into the future.

Highlighting the excellent business opportunity not only for the local area but also to any entrepreneurs wishing to apply, 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 Expression of Interest 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 Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough 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 highlighted and demonstrated.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) document is available to download simply visit: https://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/eoitowncentremarket/

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