Charter Market

Our market acquired its Charter in 1553 but a market had been operating in the City since at least 860AD. It is an important part of our heritage. It brings people into the City and it is so sad to see it in its current poor state. Covid restrictions meant lower numbers and stall holders provided their own gazebos or stalls but why no progress since then?

After an uncomfortable period in 2021, when a permanent move to gazebos was proposed, the Council decided in February 2022 to run a pilot with a mixture of gazebos and stalls, all in the City colours. A competition was announced to appoint an external provider to run the market. Following the press release on 3 February a further announcement was made in June that the new hybrid market would open on 7 September 2022.

The market as it was

Astonishingly the invitations to tender were not issued until September –meaning the 7 September opening was impossible, though we were not told. We now know that the disappointing outcome of that exercise is that no tenders were considered suitable, so back to Square One.

The Council then decided to run the market themselves and have about 35 gazebos in St Albans colours which they plan to roll out to existing stall holders with a review in June 2023 to consider whether funds are available to buy the promised stalls. And, if so, will then need to arrange erection and dismantling. There is no sign of that happening and the market continues to struggle with frequent gaps between the stalls and inconsistent and haphazard layout.

This is so disappointing – not just the delays and the failures but also the absence of communication to let people know what is happening, especially when the news is not good. So much time has been lost. The hybrid market promised in February 2022 will not happen for a long time, if ever and in the meantime the market continues to decline.

A huge effort will be needed to increase the number of stalls to anything like the pre-Covid numbers. There is little evidence that this is happening and the concern is that our Charter market continues to decline?

The market as it is 2023

Upcoming Events

Our 2024 programme will run through the Spring with in person talks including a social gathering before and afterwards. Details appear here as dates are confirmed

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The membership / financial year runs from 1st April through to 31st March but you may of course join at any time so don’t delay, join today!

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Awards

Do you know of a project that might deserve recognition in the Society’s Awards? These can be for new developments, large or small, but could be for a small extension, restored windows on a period property, or a rebuilt wall. Its not just about buildings either. Remember the Society’s Awards cover things that enhance the quality of St Albans environment or amenities and the Trevelyan Award is presented for a conservation project.

Get looking about now. Send your nominations to us stalbanscivicsociety@gmail.com Please provide a brief description and thoughts on why it should be considered.