'Hopefully this is the start of something bigger and better' as Portadown town centre market approved
ABC councillors have approved plans for a town-centre market in Portadown on June 29.
The initiative was mentioned at the Governance, Resources & Strategy committee meeting on March 11.
The relevant agenda item referred to the initiative as follows: “The council’s Economic Development Department (EDD) wish to introduce a town centre market in Portadown, which they state would enhance, complement and develop future investments.
“To that end EDD have confirmed that they are seeking provision for a town centre market in Portadown on Saturday, August 29, in a portion of Magowan Buildings off-street car park, which equates to 71 car-parking bays from 412 bays.
“Officers in EDD have been advised that the remainder of the car park would continue to operate as an off-street car park. Council does have the ability to suspend the use of a car park for the duration of an event, which would permit trading.”
Cllr Julie Flaherty (UUP, Portadown DEA) commented: “Is this another one-off artisan market, like what we had before, using that event space? Because I would like to see a wee bit more movement, on a more permanent [basis], in Portadown.”
Director of Development, community & Wellbeing, Paul Tamati explained what was being proposed was not a permanent market.
Cllr Lavelle McIlwrath (DUP, Portadown DEA) commented: “I’m very happy to propose this. It’s good to see the market coming back to Portadown. Hopefully this is the start of something bigger and better.”
Seconding the proposal, Cllr Kyle Moutray (DUP, Portadown DEA) remarked: “It’s a good opportunity to bring local traders into the town centre, where I think they should be.”
François Vincent, Local Democracy Reporter