Portadown will host a ‘Town Centre Market’’ – the first in many years – at the end of August.
And one local councillor has said he hopes it will be “the start of something bigger and better”.
ABC Council’s governance committee rubber-stamped plans to stage the market in the Magowan Buildings car park.
It is due to take place on Saturday, August 29, and requires closing off a section of the parking bays for public use on that day.
While the council took over responsibility for off-street car parking under the review of public administration back in 2015, it continues to be regulated. An off-street parking Order in 2000 prohibits trading in off-street car parks.
Strategic asset and investment manager Darren Heasty told Wednesday’s governance meeting that it was the intention of the economic development department to hold a town centre market at Magowan Buildings, taking up 71 parking spaces.
“As such, an administrative order is required to allow trading and we are now seeking permission to suspend parking for the market with an appropriate administrative order,” he added.
Council does have the authority to suspend parking in an off-street car park and the publication shortly of the administrative order will allow the public 21 days in which to object or make representation.
DUP Councillor Lavelle McIlwrath said he was “very happy” to propose the move.
“It’s good to see the market coming back to Portadown,” he added. “Hopefully this is the start of something bigger and better.”
Party colleague Councillor Kyle Moutray seconded the recommendation to facilitate the market.
“It’s a good opportunity to bring local traders into the town centre where I think they should be,” he said.
“Ultimately there’d be minimal disruption there and it’s always good to see more of an innovative approach when dealing with the town centres across the borough.”
Ulster Unionist Councillor Julie Flaherty sought clarity on what was proposed.
“I just want to be clear, this is another sort of one-off artisan market? It’s just like we had before, using that event space?,” she asked. “Because I would like to see a wee bit more movement on a more permanent solution in Portadown.”
Development and community and wellbeing director Paul Tamati confirmed it was a one-off market at this stage.
“This is in relation to the market strategy, I suppose, in relation to the agreed markets that were approved back in November, December,” he explained. “In terms of the permanent market, no, it’s not in relation to that matter.”
The committee was told, in terms of financial considerations, there was the “loss of income from cash and cashless payments during the period of closure”.
At the same time, it was highlighted that the majority of the car park – which boasts 412 parking bays – “would remain available”.
