Retford Market is facing a redesign, with the council inviting traders and residents to view proposed new stall layouts over the next month.
The changes aim to address practical problems that have emerged over time: better access for shoppers, improved safety around vehicles, and more visibility for individual traders. The council also wants to make the war memorial Cenotaph a more prominent feature of the market space itself.
Behind the scenes, the market is grappling with a real operational challenge. It now runs three different markets-the Provisions Market on Thursdays and Saturdays, plus an Antiques and Collectables Market on Fridays-but each currently uses a different layout. Creating one flexible layout that works for all three will help the market operate more efficiently and keep it financially sustainable.
New stalls are also arriving with upgraded canopies and improved equipment, which means the physical arrangement needs rethinking to accommodate them.
The council is showing two alternative layout options on non-market days from mid-February. Layout A runs from Saturday 14th February to Wednesday 18th February. Layout B runs from Saturday 21st February to Wednesday 25th February. Council officers will staff an information stall on the market itself on 17th, 18th, 24th and 25th February, between 10am and 2pm, to answer questions and gather feedback.
Traders can also speak with officers during regular market days throughout the engagement period. The full consultation runs until Sunday 15th March.
