A continental market could be held in Weymouth town centre this year.
Earlier this month, the board of Weymouth BID met with Nick Rhodes, Chief Executive of Market Place Europe, for a discussion on holding a continental market in the town.
Market Place Europe designs and delivers speciality markets and has helped to organise events in cities including Belfast and Sheffield.
Following a discussion with Mr Rhodes, the BID has decided that a continental market should be held in the town either in April, October – or both months.
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Claudia Moore, Chief Operations Officer of Weymouth BID, said: “According to research from The Grimsey Review and information from the national BID conference, markets are something which help to drive footfall to the high street.
“We have never had a proper market like this in the town and it’s important that we try it at least.”
Mrs Moore said the continental market would likely run along two main streets in the town centre.
She added: “We don’t want it to be just outside of Debenhams. We want to stretch it out along the town so more businesses can benefit from it.
“We will be sensitive about where we place the stalls, we don’t want some traders to miss out. So, we won’t be placing a baked goods stall next to one of the town’s bakeries.
She added: “Market Place Europe specialise in authentic European markets, they will be selling everything from Polish pastries to
German meats and arts and crafts.
“The focus will be on crafts rather than food or drink, that’s something we don’t necessarily need more of in the town.
“I know some people are against markets, but they’ve been proven to bring people in.”
Levy payers will be assisted if they wish to have a stall.
Market Place Europe was contacted but declined to comment on the plan until a ‘firm agreement’ is made.
Weymouth and Portland Borough Council said it will be supportive and help to facilitate the event.
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