Ramsgate market will return to the town on June 14.
The market will be held every Friday between 9am and 3pm. Stalls will be allowed to trade in the market’s original location along Ramsgate High Street, Queen Street and King Street.
The market shut when covid restrictions were brought in during March 2020. It briefly reopened in June of that year but issues around placement meant the market closed again. A new site proposed for Pier Yard car park on the seafront was scuppered at the 11th hour.
Traders were then given the go-ahead to use Staffordshire Street car park, taking space in several disabled parking bays. But there was a drop in traders taking part on Fridays and none willing to set up for business at the site on Saturdays.
The low number of stalls meant falling income, with then-operator Hughmark making a decision to cease trade in the town in October of that year.
In June 2022, Thanet council approved proposals to secure a new operator and to remove existing street trading and hawking restrictions in the High Street, King Street and Queen Street area.
Bray Associates was appointed in October 2023 and will be responsible for managing the market, including choosing traders and setting stallholder fees, on behalf of the council.
Bray Associates manage markets in 13 other districts.
Cllr Ruth Duckworth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth at Thanet District Council, said: “We recognise the importance of having a weekly market and we are delighted that Ramsgate Market is set to reopen. Local people have been keen to see the market return for a long time. I hope that they will come along to help make its return a success.
“Markets bring increased footfall to town centres. I am confident that the new market will attract more shoppers to Ramsgate town centre, helping Ramsgate’s existing businesses to thrive as well as providing an exciting new opportunity for traders.“
Brian Nunan, Managing Director of Bray Associates, said: “We are proud to have been appointed to manage Ramsgate Market on behalf of Thanet District Council. While we are looking forward to welcoming traders both old and new, we have additional incentives for young entrepreneurs, first-time traders and registered charities. This will ensure the fantastic opportunities of a thriving town centre market are available to all.”
Traders who are interested in applying for a stall in the market should contact the Bray Associates Head Office on 01895 639912 or [email protected].
