Council under fire over £6.2 million, 25-year deal with private firm over Mexborough and Doncaster markets

Doncaster Council said it planned to appoint Market Asset Management Ltd to invest in and operate the markets for 25 years.

But Mexborough First councillor Bev Chapman, a former market trader herself, said what she had read in council reports not open to the Press or public gave her little reason for optimism.

“It’s like we’re going to buy a Mars Bar and they (Doncaster Market) are going to buy a Rolls Royce,” she said.

“Our investment is a drop in the ocean of theirs.”

Cllr Chapman said many councillors attending Doncaster Council’s cabinet on Tuesday had questioned the deal and she expected it to be “called in” under the process where cabinet decisions can be sent for further scrutiny by other councillors.

“I was appalled by what I heard,” she added.

“It’s a pig’s ear.”

Cllr Chapman said she was unable to reveal much of the detail in the exempt cabinet papers but revealed it would involve “remodelling” the outdoor market and redecorating the neighbouring indoor market hall.

She said when she had challenged cabinet member Joe Blackham over Mexborough’s modest investment under the plan he had pointed out that Mexborough Market had been revamped four years ago.

But Cllr Chapman maintained that the reshaping of the York Square market had “killed” trade and remained unpopular, with the number of traders having fallen since.

“They have also failed to understand how Mexborough Market is different,” she said. “People don’t just go once a week, they pop in for a coffee and a chat — it’s a social hub.”

In an email to Cllr Chapman, Cllr Blackham said there was a commitment not to raise rents for traders for a year but the Mexborough councillor was unimpressed, pointing out that after this point “all bets are off”.

Doncaster Council said in a statement: “In what will be a new era for the historic markets, this deal will bring about major changes to Doncaster Markets layout, improving the public areas, introducing new enterprise spaces for small businesses, an increased number of local food producers, more independent traders and a greater number of events and entertainment to run alongside the council’s existing events programme.”

The company would invest £2.3 million in the first five years and £6.2 million over the proposed 25-year contract, the council said, adding that the agreement would save the taxpayer £219,000 a year and bring in a guaranteed annual income of £122,000.

Cllr Blackham said: “This will bring about much needed change, making the markets a vibrant destination for shopping, eating out, entertainment and business and will complement the work being done in the wider town centre, contributing to Doncaster’s unique offer and attracting visitors from far and wide.”