The future of York Road Market has been unclear for sometime. Months of consultation have thrown the market’s suitability and viability into question.
The most recent recommendations from Southend Borough Council for York Road Market emerged today.
Officers have recommended that the market be demolished and the site hard surfaced as soon as possible.
Once the site is cleared, the recommendations state that the demand for a fixed market area in the town centre should be tested, whilst the area is used as a temporary space for covered stalls.
After this, the recommendations state that further consultation on the demand for market space should continue, including research into the possibility of rebuilding an arcade at York Road.
Labour Councillor for Victoria Ian Gilbert has criticized the recommendations.
He said: “The handling of York Road Market has been an utter disgrace from start to finish.
“This is a direct result of attempts to implement the deeply flawed plans for central Southend adopted by the Conservative administration.
“However, we should not compound these errors with more extremely hasty decisions.â€
Discussions over York Road Market’s future arose from a structural survey and risk assessment of the area commissioned by the Council in September 2009.
The survey found that there were several dangers on the site, including rotten roof timbers, a complete lack of fire alarm systems, and a need for total rewiring to prevent potential fires.
At the time, Sally Holland, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Director of Support Services, issued a statement saying: “Clearly, doing nothing is not a choice open to the Council, as we have a duty to act responsibly for the safety of all concerned.
“However, the Council is doing its utmost to support tenants through this difficult time, and help them to continue trading.â€
The new recommendations will be discussed at the next full Council, on Tuesday 12th January.
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York road market has been run down for many years, its not a proper market anyway, I dont know what all the fuss is about , on the downside, the council will put more flats there to completely gridlock the roads of southend.