The Council is pleased to announce that Tom Doggett has been appointed to operate the town’s markets, following the Council’s consideration and approval of his proposal.
Tom will take responsibility for the markets in the Market Square and High Street, with markets operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Tom’s proposal sets out an ambition to develop and grow the markets, with a particular focus initially on establishing a strong Saturday market in the Market Square. The longer-term aim is to build on this and develop the market offer across both locations and trading days.
The Mayor, Councillor Bill Kimberley, said: “We are delighted to be working with Tom and look forward to seeing his plans for the markets develop. He has put considerable thought into his proposal and has a clear ambition to build a thriving and attractive market that will bring people into the town centre and complement our existing businesses.
“Markets can play an important role in creating a lively town centre, providing opportunities for traders and giving residents and visitors another reason to come into the town. We are pleased to be supporting Tom as he begins this new chapter for the markets.”
Tom said: “I’m very happy to have been asked by the council to take over running Evesham Market, and it’s an absolute honour to be involved with something which dates back to the eleventh century. Evesham has a strong, proud history, which should rightly be celebrated, but I also believe we have a bright future ahead of us as a town: new businesses are opening, money is being invested in restoring our historic buildings, and we have thriving events throughout the year which attract tens of thousands of people.
“I’ve seen here at The Red Lion over the past four years that there is an appetite for quality local produce and good entertainment, and, most importantly, we have a community of people who genuinely care about where they live, and want to see it at its best. A flourishing market which provides for the locals and attracts new people into the town can also support existing businesses, something I’m very keen to focus on.”
Further information about new arrangements for the market, including opportunities for traders, will be announced in September.
The Council would like to thank Bluebell Markets for for their prior contribution to the market, and looks forward to seeing the new arrangements develop over the coming year.