Private firm running Doncaster Markets claim council 'overestimated' trading figures during tender process

A private firm who took over the running of markets in Doncaster has said the council’s trading figures were ‘overestimated’ in the tender process.
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Council bosses said MAM will be investing £2.21 million in the first five years and £3.86 million over the next 20 years in Doncaster Market.

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A report seen by councillors has outlined two disagreements between MAM and Doncaster Council but bosses said the collaborative approach was working.

Doncaster's regenerated Wool Market. Picture: Chris EtchellsDoncaster's regenerated Wool Market. Picture: Chris Etchells
Doncaster's regenerated Wool Market. Picture: Chris Etchells

MAM has claimed trading figures DMBC provided as part of the tender process were ‘overestimated’.

Council bosses said this matter has been ‘consistently refuted’ and ‘due diligence’ should have picked any discrepancies.

MAM has also said the trader occupational agreements ‘are not all complete’ but this was knocked back by the council’s legal department who said this was the position from the outset.

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Bosses said ‘ongoing discussions' are taking place to resolve these matters.

Figures show MAM has increased the lettings in the Wool Market and International Food Hall while maintaining numbers of traders in the Corn Exchange, Fish Market, Outer Markets and Goose Hill.

Reports also show Mexborough Market will get £393,000 from Doncaster Council for ‘essential roof repairs, external decoration, an internal refurbishment and important electrical works’.

The number of traders in Mexborough has decreased but reports noted some had moved to nearby York Street.

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MAM have said in contract management meetings that they will be rolling out a marketing campaign in the spring to attract new potential traders to Mexborough Market.

These include running competitions of ‘free units for a month’ and potential discount periods for new traders at Mexborough.

Drew Oxley, head of trading services at DMBC, said: “The better a market, the higher the performance of a town centre which increases its competitive edge over neighbouring towns.

“MAM and DMBC are achieving this in a collaborative approach. Markets are seen as the creation of a place where locals and tourists can frequent, generating atmosphere, supporting local businesses and in turn increasing town centre footfall.

“It is good to see that the number of units utilised across the Doncaster town centre sites has not dropped.”