by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
This Wednesday’s Dorchester Market will be the first under town council management.
The council is taking over from Wimborne-based family firm, Ensors, which have managed the market for several decades and are credited with founding the modern market in the mid 1800s.
The town council believes it can improve the running the stall market, and other associated markets, with the move seen by many as the ‘righful’ return of the market to the town.
Dorchester Town Council say the April 1st take-over will be the start of
“an exciting new chapter driven by fresh energy, big ambition, and true community spirit.”
Following a successful agreement with Dorset Council, the Town Council will assume full responsibility for the weekly Wednesday market and Sunday car boot sale at Fairfield Car Park, along the daily market that runs along South Street at Cornhill.
This move places one of Dorchester’s most vibrant traditions directly in local hands.
Said Cllr Andy Canning, Mayor of Dorchester: “Dorchester’s market has been a key part of life in the County town for centuries. We are breathing new life and creating a new future for our market. We will invest in the market’s offer, rebuild many of the stalls and attract new traders with more products. Our market will have a great future.”
Dorchester Town Council says it wants to enhance the retail and commercial offer in the town and boost the local economy by creating a vibrant destination market for both locals and visitors.
The Town Council is already making improvements to the site with repaired lighting for early morning trader set ups, fresh signage and a new Markets Officer to promote the market and work with traders.
Dorchester has been a thriving market town since medieval times. There have been livestock markets at Cornhill and Fairfield at different times in history.
The 1629 Market Charter document was passed to the previous West Dorset District Council in 1974 and then on to Dorset Council in April 2019, and has been a matter of contention for many town councillors.
A relative of John George from Ensors is credited with starting the weekly market on the existing site in the mid 1800s although the town has had other markets and other market sites.
Year after year market profits have reduced, shared between Dorset Council and the Town Council, but even in the Covid period the traders continued turning up each week, earning them praise from residents and the town council.
Profits from the Sunday car boot sale are all returned to the community, after expenses, with grants to various organisations last year of around £13,000.
One of the changes which is likely to become apparent this year is a £100,000 landscaping project for a section of Fairfield Road – facing Brewery Square – which was pedestrianised. Trees, other landscaping and seating are planned for the area.
A ‘footfall survey’ for the town suggests that Wednesdays continue to be the busiest day of the week for Dorchester overall, suggesting that many are attracted to the town by the market, also benefitting some of the town’s shops and cafes.
