Changing market – creation of new street trading pitches and market expansion

New street trading pitches and updated existing pitches are on the way, which will improve and modernise the existing street trading provision in Ashford Town Centre.

They join the expanded monthly United Makers of Kent Food & Creative Market, which is growing in size and popularity.

In 2023, Ashford Borough Council formed a market task group to research into how other towns and cities had created successful markets and to explore how we could create a ‘Best in Kent’ market offer in the town.

Proposals for the expansion of the monthly Makers Market and creation of additional street trading pitches were proposed and approved by Cabinet last year.

New street trading pitches

It is proposed to create a small number of new street trading pitches, available for trading Monday-Friday (0900-1600 hours) within the display area beside the bandstand in the Upper High Street. There will also be new and expanded pitch opportunities on offer for traders in the Lower High Street.

The Lower High Street is home to Ashford Town Market which operates on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (with a few traders trading on Thursdays).

Existing market traders will be moved to slightly different positions along the pavement and asked if they wish to continue to trade on their existing market days or expand further.

They will also be encouraged to improve the appearance and presentation of their displays in line with new pitches/traders being introduced. 

New traders, and existing traders wishing to increase their trading days, may apply for ‘permanent pitches’ available Monday-Saturday (0900-1500 hours) in the Lower High Street.

To attract and assist new traders, funding will be used to purchase a number of new colour-coordinated market-quality gazebos.

This will assist new traders with setup costs, also aid the council in ensuring that the news stalls provide an attractive addition to the town centre.

Expanded Kent Food & Creative Market proves popular

The ever-popular United Makers of Kent Food & Creative Market in Ashford Town Centre is now even bigger and better than before. Held on the first Saturday of the month, it brings over 25 stalls showcasing a wide selection of what local artisans and market stall traders have to offer including food, drink and unique crafts.

While the council are supporting the United Makers of Kent Food & Creative Market in numerous ways, the initiative remains driven and organised by the community through Craftship Enterprise CIC. The council believes that rather than replacing it with something new, it is better to amplify the success of something already thriving and support it to make it even more successful. 

Cllr Liz Wight, portfolio holder for Communities and Health, said: “This initiative should greatly benefit the town centre and will be greatly welcomed by local residents.”

Cllr Heather Hayward, portfolio holder for Tourism, Culture, Policy & Performance, and Market Task Group Chair, said: “By encouraging local entrepreneurs, independent food vendors, and creative traders to set up in visible, accessible locations, we can foster a dynamic street culture that draws footfall, supports small business growth, and contributes to a welcoming town centre experience. 

“These spaces offer a valuable opportunity to enhance the vibrancy, diversity, and economic resilience of our high streets. Permanent pitches also provide structure and consistency for both traders and the public, while allowing the council to ensure high standards in hygiene, safety, and visual appeal.”

Creating different reasons to visit

Town centres are changing, with many trying to stay relevant in the face of shifting shopping habits, lower footfall and the loss of many high street names. It is clear that town centres need to offer more than just shopping in the future if they are to remain the hub of our town and a place that business can thrive. 

The expansion plans for this market are just part of what the council is delivering to revitalise the town centre and provide different reasons to visit.

Between 2022 and 2025, the council has invested nearly £3m into the high street as part the Town Centre Reset Strategy. This funding is nearly all sourced from external sources, such as Section 106 developer contributions or the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Funding. 

Projects that have been delivered include the UnFramed mural festival, which put Ashford on the world map and the Town Centre Business Grants, which have supported existing businesses and helped fill empty shops. A children's train-themed play area is proving a big hit with youngsters and providing different reasons for families to visit and spend time in town.

Next up is the Ashford Food and Drink Festival, which is set to take place on June 28 this year as a day long event throughout the town centre. In addition, the council will continue to deliver the hugely popular Carnival of the Baubles and Create Music Village events.

Through the LoveAshford website and social media channels, the council also continues to promote the best offers and services from businesses within the town centre, with the aim that our residents support these businesses and activities throughout the year.