Contract for the Operation of the Winchester City Street Market

Description

Winchester City Council is seeking to appoint an experienced, creative and forward looking operator to manage its street market in the beautiful and historic centre of Winchester. The appointed operator will provide a high quality curated programme of street markets ensuring that income is maximised whilst creating a high quality visitor experience which supports the local economy. Commitment to sustainability and engagement across Winchester’s varied communities is also required. The market operates Thursday to Saturday and and the first and third Sunday of each month. There is also the opportunity for special themed and seasonal markets such as Easter, early evening markets and specialist touring markets. The contract is for a period of three years with an option to extend annually for up to a further two years The contract will commence in October 2024. Lot 1: Winchester City Council is looking for an innovative and creative market operator to provide a high-quality curated programme of street markets that support the local economy by: • adding vibrancy to the city centre • complementing existing retail activities • increasing footfall supporting city centre businesses • encouraging business start-up and innovation and • minimising the markets’ carbon footprint. The council is looking for an experienced operator to manage its street market for three years ensuring that income is maximised whilst creating a high quality visitor experience. There is also provision to further extend the contract annually for up to a further two years. The contract will commence in October 2024. Operators are asked to produce a curated programme of street markets which covers Thursday to Saturday and the first and third Sunday of each month as well as the opportunity for special themed and seasonal markets such as Easter and vegan markets. It should include opportunities for: • early evening markets • touring markets (at least four specialist markets a year) • a proportion of reduced cost stalls for business start up • attracting a younger demographic • independent producers • local producers • new traders and • themed and seasonal markets.