Plans to relocate Arnold's market permanently revealed - but traders and residents disagree

Plans have been revealed to permanently move a Nottinghamshire town's market - but not everyone agrees on the new location. Gedling Borough Council has announced plans to make Eagle Square the permanent home of Arnold's market, subject to final approvals.

The market relocated to Eagle Square in 2021 on a temporary basis while the £4 million Arnold Market Place (AMP) development was built, but the council said making the move permanent would allow traders to continue to benefit the increased footfall in the more central location. Councillor John Clarke MBE, leader of Gedling Borough Council, said: "Arnold Market is a key part of the town’s identity, and keeping it at Eagle Square is the right decision for the community.

"We have been in constant contact with the traders, who have been on the site for over three years, and they have been supportive of this permanent move. The ambition we have for all of Arnold, our largest town centre and most visited shopping centre, will help revitalise our town centre, support local businesses, and attract more visitors."

A recent council consultation found there was a mixed public opinion to the move with 48 per cent of locals in favour, but showed that 62 per cent of businesses and all market traders supported the permanent relocation. Consultees suggested the market would benefit from a wider variety of traders, regular deep cleaning of the area, and introducing specialist farmers' or artisan events.

Gedling Borough Council added it had agreed for more than £20,000 to be spent on new stall canopies in the new year. Changes were recently made to the landscape of Eagle Square to make it more accessible, funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Future plans for Eagle Square include a review of pricing, marketing, and management models to create a sustainable and vibrant market strategy. The permanent move will be finalised when the necessary planning and street trading permissions are approved - these are expected to be granted in early 2025.