How The Regeneration Affects The Market

A new initiative has been undertaken to bring about the final stage of regeneration and restoration of Historic Tynemouth Station.

Proposals have been drawn up and public exhibitions have been held in order to seek the views of market traders and members of the public. Consultations have also been held with business owners who operate from premises within the Station complex.

The Friends of Tynemouth Station and Tynemouth Village Association have also been consulted.

As a result of the consultation process, representations were made by many people, organisations and businesses, and overwhelming support for the initiative has been pledged. Following views expressed to the company in relation to the present markets, a decision has been made not to renew Junction Fairs’ license, which expires on 31st May. It is felt that the present operator of the markets has not invested in new equipment – many of the stalls are old, unsightly and unsuitable for present day use. The present owners have failed to promote the markets in recent years and until recently, seemed to have lost interest.

Station Developments, the company which owns and operates the Station, has therefore decided to run the markets themselves. All those currently employed by Junction Fairs at the Station, will be offered employment.

Morris Muter, Chief Executive of Station Developments, said “the new initiative has great support from all sectors of Station users and businesses that trade from the Station. As part of the new arrangement, operating the markets directly cuts out the middleman which will ensure charges to stallholders will not increase. Having direct control of the markets has allowed the company to invest tens of thousands of pounds in new stalls and equipment, which is long overdue”.

The company is about to launch a promotional campaign, including this brand new website, which will feature all the businesses operating from the Station, including the markets. A series of events is also being organised, jointly with North Tyneside Council, these will include performing and visual arts, exhibitions and festivals, all of which will be open to the public.