The Civic Quarter project will build on the vision for the Market Square that was agreed in March 2022.
This vision is for a bustling seven-day market which is an accessible, attractive, welcoming, exciting and safe place to visit, shop and gather during the day and into the evening. This vision continues to inform the developing proposals for the Market Square.
The Market Square needs significant investment to secure long-term economic and social value for the city, and the council is committed to supporting the seven-day market to continue and thrive in the long-term.
Traders and stalls
The updated proposals have incorporated feedback from market traders, market experts, heritage officers, the police, and the public consultation held in the summer of 2024. The current proposals now include:
- an increase in the overall number of stalls being proposed to 94 – from the initial proposal of 91 – with a commitment that all current traders would be able to return
- an increase in the number of permanent stalls to 36 – from the previous proposal of 27 – meaning traders who trade most often will benefit from new lockable stalls that are better designed than those currently in use on the market
- information about which demountable stall structure will be taken forward for testing on the market, chosen based on feedback from traders on demountable stall options presented
- a smaller canopy which will now only cover a new seating area, which will be lockable out of hours, responding to feedback about antisocial behaviour in covered areas not being caught on CCTV
- a commitment to maintaining traders’ pitch fees at the pre-decant level for the first 12 months following the redevelopment of the market
- retaining and refurbishing the existing fountain on the market, with the aspiration of making it fully functioning in the long-term – previously the proposal was to relocate the fountain
- confirmation that toilets for traders will be situated in the market square basement to support traders, and that new underground bin facilities will be provided to significantly improve waste storage and collection processes
The demountable stalls can contract or expand in accordance with demand from traders, meaning that this part of the Market Square would be available for additional trading during busier days and months, or to provide flexible space for occasional events.
Currently, market occupancy can be as low as 30% or 40% on Mondays, so there is not the need for all stalls to be in operation every day of the week.
Market traders
We know that some traders have concerns about the proposals, including the mix of permanent and demountable stalls being considered.
As we move forward with the design work, we will continue to work with markets experts and Cambridge Market traders to identify suitable new stalls - permanent and demountable - that would be sturdy enough for all weather and would work for traders, using designs that have been stress tested by market traders in other places.
We are working closely with market traders to design a new space that meets their needs, looking at market stall layouts, storage, bins, lighting, and CCTV options to address anti-social behaviour.
Pedestrians
The proposals also include introducing an accessible shared surface to promote and prioritise pedestrians; and a commitment to water efficiency and renewable energy.
Other ideas include planting more trees and installing green areas for people to enjoy, and to provide shade, increase biodiversity, improve air quality, and enhance the overall beauty of the square.
