6 May 2014
New market under starter's orders
Woking Borough Council is pleased to announce that letting activity is now underway for Woking's new market - scheduled to open in the autumn. The new market will see the existing market move to a new state-of-the-art covered market located directly between the two shopping centres in what was previously known as Peacock Walk.
In recognition of the new use, Peacock Walk will become Market Walk. The new market will have improved direct pedestrian links to Peacocks and Wolsey Place Shopping Centres, as well as the main town centre car parks. It will also be fully accessible from Jubilee Square.
Providing 15 purpose-built kiosks and seven units, the new market will provide a seven day home for independent entrepreneurial retailers and caterers wishing to establish themselves in the heart of the thriving town centre. There will be a strong bias towards fresh, high-quality produce with the new stalls specifically designed to accommodate butchers, greengrocers, fresh fish and delicatessen produce.
Great care and thought has gone into the design, with the kiosks providing almost a fully-fitted retail environment to encourage new retail talent.
The Council has appointed market specialists, Quarterbridge, to advise on the letting and management of the new market.
Raymond Linch, Quarterbridge's Managing Director, said: "Rarely have we been involved with such a well conceived scheme. The location is excellent, already enjoying substantial pedestrian flow, the ease of access to all the car parks and loading facilities makes the proposition one of the best that we have been fortunate enough to work on. We have already established a significant list of interested parties and we look forward to working with new and creative retailers to provide Woking with a 21st Century market home for independent retailing."
Discussions are already underway with the existing market traders who may be interested in relocating and the Council is keen to ensure the new market provides a wide variety of both quality traders and offer.
Tim Buckley, Asset Manager for Woking Shopping, added: "Considerable investment in the town centre continues with the development of the new market facility. This will be in addition to all of the new public realm improvements that have led to a notable change in the town centre offer. Pret-a-Manger, Patisserie Valerie, The Entertainer, Top Shop, Pandora have all contributed to significant growth in the fortunes of the town centre and the new market will be part of that ongoing process. With recent footfall substantially up the town is really booming."
Entrepreneurial retailers and traders keen to take advantage of the letting opportunities available should contact Quarterbridge on 01206 710999 or email [email protected]. Letting criteria, terms of operation and financial terms are available upon request from Quarterbridge.
