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Al fresco seating, more events and pop-ups, and scrapping early closings on a Thursday all feature in the Government's new "vision" to make the Central Market the "jewel in the crown" of town again.
Plans to revitalise the market and increase footfall to make it a “social and commercial hub” have long been in the works, and several initiatives already undertaken to achieve this goal.
A Project Board and a new Traders' group have been created to steer the work, which has so far included creating a new "brand identity" for the market and social media presence, preparing a bid for Government Plan funding, holding events such as the Asian Food Market to celebrate the Lunar New Year, introducing pop-up shops in vacant units, and late openings at some of the food venues.
A 'project update' report released by Government this morning revealed further steps due to be taken, including transforming the cobblestone unloading bay in Halkett Place will into an outdoor dining area, along with the area adjacent to the French Lane entrance near the market.
The report also revealed plans to scrap traditional Thursday afternoon closures, and to extend late-night dining services into 2024.
Increasing signposting to help tourists, and introducing more planters and bike racks outside entrances were also highlighted.
The report also said that a more "strategic approach" to tenants will be taken going forward.
More recently, small businesses have also been invited to apply for short-term lets as a means of encouraging entrepreneurship and potential new tenants who can test their ideas without having to make a long-term commitment.
As part of the development, pop-up shops have emerged within the market's vacant shops as a platform for local artists to display their creative works.
Among the businesses to have successfully 'popped up' in the Central Market in recent months is MollyMacLiving.
Pictured: Lisa McDonald doesn't just run the shop; she also creates and paints within it.
Local business owner and artist Lisa McDonald, who opened a market pop-up shop in June, features her contemporary artwork alongside products from MollyMacLiving. The pop-up shop also serves as an exhibition, offering visitors “a journey through safe worlds and expanding horizons".
The high rental costs had previously made Lisa's dream of owning her shop “nearly impossible”. She said she saw the pop-up initiative as an opportunity for herself and other aspiring entrepreneurs hindered by steep rental expenses.
The shop now occupies the former space of Lidster's Traditional Family Butchers, whose owner retired, unable to lease it to another butcher.
She described the process of transforming the space as involving "a lot of cleaning."
Last week, another creative store popped up: Jones of Jersey, a family team creating hand-drawn, individually-printed and locally-themed items.
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A review in 2019 by the Economy Department and a subsequent one in 2022 by independent consultants both pointed out that the markets were "underperforming".
The follow-up Jersey Market Strategic Review, conducted by The Retail Group for the Economic Development Minister, recognised their significant potential and proposed over 70 improvements, including physical changes, trader actions, management improvements, and marketing. This report serves as the foundation for the ongoing work.
In the summer of 2023, a local market research company surveyed 630 individuals, including 494 residents in and around the markets.
Respondents valued 'fresh food/quality of produce' and a 'nice atmosphere/environment' the most, while 'product presentation,' 'cleanliness,' and 'uniqueness' received the lowest ratings.
Approximately one-third of respondents wanted extended opening hours and Sunday availability, Customers requested consistent opening and closing times. They also requested more seating, events, additional food and beverage options, and more affordable prices. There was also considerable demand for al fresco dining.
Infrastructure Minister Deputy Tom Binet said: “The markets should be the jewel in the crown of St Helier and are long overdue for some attention. We’ve carefully considered the recommendations of The Retail Group report and we’re now taking the next steps to make sure the Jersey Markets have a bright and exciting future.”
“I’ve spent time speaking to the tenants at length to understand their big issues and want to work with them to create thriving markets at the centre of the improved public realm. Islanders are supportive of the markets and want to see them buzzing with activity, and we acknowledge that the consumer experience needs to improve.
Economic Development Minister Deputy Kisten Morel said: “Our ambition is to create an attractive and dynamic retail sector, and The Retail Group’s report and recommendations have been a useful foundation for setting the vision and direction for revitalising this important part of town.”
“Leading markets elsewhere are taking proactive steps to enhance their experience for consumers. They offer more events, entertainment and pop-up businesses, but also promote them extensively on social media, dedicated websites and through other marketing channels.”
“Similar trading pressures have been experienced at markets across the UK and Europe, and we are taking the experiences from elsewhere to improve our markets,” he added.
FOCUS: “Why would anybody choose to go into St Helier unless they had to?”
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