Popular market could return to Luton's Marsh Farm 'quite soon'
The return of a popular outdoor market to the Marsh Farm estate in Luton could be ‘quite soon’ – but is still in its early stages and without a definite timeframe, one of the driving forces behind its reintroduction has warned.
New community focused stalls could be included as part of the ambitious project, which would seek to recreate some of the atmosphere generated in the old market’s heyday on either side of the former Purley Centre building.
The 1960s shopping and residential complex was knocked down as part of a £23m to £25m regeneration project and replaced by residential accommodation.
Co-director of Marsh Farm Outreach Glenn Jenkins said: “Marsh Farm Outreach and Marsh Farm Futures created a platform, the People’s Assembly, for local residents to organise and decide on the things they want to see on the estate.
“The top three priorities set by the assembly were better access to and use of community buildings and assets, particularly Futures House, to provide a youth space, activities and support for our young people, and to bring back the market.
“Assembly action groups are forming around each of those priorities. The timing is all about a speedy route through the red tape.
“Labour Northwell councillor Rob Roche is helping to work through some of that and to gauge the level of interest. As with all things, its about supply and demand.
“Are there enough stallholders to build the market up and is there enough public support, essentially people who would attend and buy items? The popular support looks good judging by assembly discussions and social media.
“Every table called for the market during those early talks. Now the market action group will do the work needed to get answers to those crucial questions.
“If all goes well and we get enough interest from stallholders, the market could be back quite soon. But we wouldn’t want to put a timeline on it until we’ve tested the water further.”
On social media, Mr Jenkins posted: “Luton Borough Council is responding positively to the resident assembly demand to bring back the market.
“One of our local councillors Rob Roche communicated the loud assembly message to the local authority’s chief executive. Councillor Roche is now hoping to restore Marsh Farm’s decades old legal license to hold a market.
“This is what democracy looks like and a clear example of the difference we can make when we come together. The more of us there are the louder our voice becomes.”
A borough council spokesman said in a statement: “While we have yet to receive a formal proposal to be able to take a view yet, we welcome the interest in bringing a market back to Marsh Farm.
“The council is looking forward to seeing further details emerge in the near future. We will continue to engage in positive dialogue with those involved, as any plans develop going forward.”