Those of us who have lived in Gloucester for a long time probably have fond memories of Eastgate Market as a thriving, bustling place. Those whose memories stretch back even further will be able to remember when the market was accessed directly from Eastgate Street. In fact, the market portico, which now forms the entrance to the Eastgate Shopping Centre, used to be the way in to the market itself before both the market and the portico were moved as part of the shopping centre development in the 1970s.

Markets can help us to achieve a distinctive retail offer for Gloucester

However, traders haven’t had the easiest of times in recent years. There had been question marks about the future of the market and the building they are in is now over forty years old and showing its age. A few traders have left lately, most notably the Farmhouse Delicatessen, who have moved to a very smart new shop on the Southgate Street entrance to the Eastgate Shopping Centre. Markets did, for a while, go out of fashion but are very much in vogue now. I believe brighter times are ahead and that markets can help us to achieve a distinctive retail offer for Gloucester.

There has been something of an influx of new traders over the last few weeks to sit alongside market stalwarts like Malcolm the fishmonger, Zuhair the Olive Man, Simon from the Cafe and Miriam from the vacuum stall. Cotswold Chic opened last month, providing quality homemade catering. Baby and Tiny Tot World is another recent addition selling hand-knitted baby clothes and goods. Candles R Us does what it says on the tin, including selling their cheeseburger flavour candle (I think I prefer the Cherry Bakewell version!). And Vinyl Vital Signs trade on Saturdays, offering original vinyl records.

Market occupancy is the greatest it has been for some time

At the end of October, a butcher and greengrocer (two cornerstones of any market) opened, meaning market occupancy is now the greatest is has been for some time.

Marketing Gloucester are undertaking something of a promotional campaign for the market, which we hope will attract shoppers and more new traders. Jason Smith, the company’s Chief Executive, has a sentimental reason to get involved as his grandfather ran the Rigby’s fishmongers stall when the market was in its heyday.

Its future still needs to be resolved. We are weighing up the pros and cons of refurbishing the existing market against building a new one as part of the Kings Quarter development. It definitely does have a future and we will make a decision in the coming months.

If you haven’t paid a visit to the market for a while, you might be surprised at just what is there.