Hope is building that a Nottinghamshire town's new market can return it to being a shopping destination. New businesses and shoppers at the recently opened AMP building at Arnold Market Place have expressed their wishes for it to contribute to a thriving future for the town.
The site was the home of Arnold Market for more than 50 years, but in 2018 Gedling Borough Council purchased the land and work started in 2020. The newly opened businesses at the market include Cleo's Delicatessen, Taste First, Market Place Tea Rooms, Catdog, and the Post Office.
The business owners, some of whom started the ventures during Covid, said they were optimistic after a solid start at the venue. Theo Solomon, 32, and Chloe Cross, 28, the co-owners of Cleo's Delicatessen thought the unit holders had added to the town's high street.
Read more: Hopes 'empty' Nottingham street will meet potential as big name fashion shop to move in
"We have been in the trade for years but this is our first business. We have seen an alright level of business and we're just starting out - the weekend after the Christmas lights switch-on was busy," Mr Solomon said.
Ms Cross said: "I would like to think we have brought something to the town. A lot of people are coming and having a look around."
James Carson, 45, owner of Taste First, said residents had welcomed the new businesses. "We all want to bring people into Arnold. The feedback has been very good so far, it has been really positive.
"There's scope for us to a lot of different things with the Market Place. We want to work with the other businesses here too which you can't do normally, we already work with the deli really well.
"It's different and that is a good thing. It is up to the community now to use it." Sara Burton, owner of Market Place Tea Rooms, added: "I'm Arnold born and bred myself - it has a good community but it needed a bit of a lift.
"I think the Market Place will prove to be good for the future of the town. We want to bring people together here, and are encouraging people to share tables and make friends."
Market stallholders moved to nearby Eagle Square while the works were carried out and plans are in place for the traders to stay at the location. The council's future plans for the new public space at AMP will include increasing the use for community events, as well as specialist evening and weekend markets.
Locals were optimistic about the project bringing something new to Arnold's high street. Margaret Loach, 82, from Arnold said: "I hope that it will help Arnold get back to what it used to be. We'll have to see when all the shops are open, but it has already brightened Arnold up a bit.
"I like it a lot, it makes the area look a lot better. I think it is a good sign for Arnold's high street, which used to be one of the best places in Nottinghamshire to shop."
Maureen, 77, and Ron Foster, 82, from Arnold thought the market had already been an improvement. "It certainly looks nice and modern. It's a long term thing that will be good for the town I think," Mr Foster said.
Mrs Foster added: "It is a lot better than what was here before, but it has been a long time coming. I think it will do well when all the shops are fully set up and settled."
Up to £4 million was allocated to the project as part of Gedling Borough Council's plan to revitalise the centre and attract visitors, which they say is the most significant investment the town centre has ever had. Funding for the project came from the council's capital programme budget, boosted by a successful bid for £1.25 million from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund that supports town centre improvements.
When the project officially opened, Deputy Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor Michael Payne said: “This new flagship building and public square will bring new business to Arnold and boost the economy for the existing businesses in and around the town centre.
"This is something that everyone can be proud of, not just in Arnold but also in our surrounding towns and communities. This investment, one of the largest investments there has ever been in Arnold, has come at a time when the council is still one of the worst affected councils in the country in terms of funding cuts from central government.
"We are incredibly proud that we have reached this remarkable milestone despite the significant financial pressures the council is under. The AMP is here and we hope residents and businesses will support it and be proud of the things we can achieve together as a community.
"We are also committed to revitalising and investing in our other fantastic local town centres and high streets across the borough. We are investing in Carlton Square, have secured a significant amount of funding to make our streets safer in Netherfield and have invested in a dedicated team working to support our small businesses across the borough."
Read next:
- King Charles ban on 'despicable dish' in all royal residences
- DWP Universal Credit Christmas bonus to land in bank accounts within days
- Guest at I'm a Celebrity hotel where axed campmates stay lifts lid on stars
- Tesco shoppers are only just learning how to unlock supermarket trolleys without £1 coin
- Friends cringe as new mum gives baby the same name as retail chain
