It has long been an aspiration of the Town Council to find ways of responding to the local desire to revitalise the Market Place, by creating a vibrant atmosphere and attracting more footfall, of both residents and visitors.
The Town Council was involved in discussions with the former North Dorset District Council (NDDC), the Town Team, Town Museum, and other interested parties, 10 years ago looking at potential improvements for the Market Place with a focus on a covered market area and possible pedestrianisation. In 2016, the Town Council took on responsibility from NDDC for the street market. Then, in 2019, a Market Area Enhancement Working Group was established with the aim of delivering a project to enhance the street market area using a £70,000 grant provided by NDDC.
The Town Council was keen to see some sort of pedestrianisation in the Dorset Council-owned area and initial consultations were carried out. Before these ideas could be further progressed, the pandemic intervened, followed by the replacement of the town centre paving slabs by the Dorset Council, which rendered any further large-scale changes in the town centre impractical for the time being.
In September 2023, the Dorset Council proposed pedestrianisation of the area to the left of the Town Hall / Corn Exchange, for a trial period, with some limited funding attached. However, their intention was for the trial to take place in 2024, which would have coincided with the works taking place to the Corn Exchange and the anticipated requirement for plant to be located outside the building.
The Town Council therefore resolved that the part-pedestrianisation project will be linked to the completion of the regeneration of the Town Hall/Corn Exchange.
The Town Council’s Working Group wanted to know how residents would like to see the space being used. Suggested usage is for pop-up cafés, local groups and charitable organisations, theatrical and musical performances, but we are very much open to ideas.
This is a monthly agenda item on the Town Council meetings, so you are welcome to attend a meeting to hear discussions and express your opinions too.
A public consultation was produced by the Town Council in June and the deadline to share your views was 31st August 2024. You can view Consultation Responses – Highlights and the consultation can still be viewed by scanning the QR code (below), picking up a copy from the Town Council Office in Legion House, Church Lane or using the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/syDKRUhbMC
Last modified: March 21, 2025
