Council awarded £100k in City Hall cash to host the food market in Short Blue Place, reports Nick Clark, Local Democracy Reporter
A summer food market set to open in Barking town centre will aim to support businesses based in the borough, the council has said.
The Greater London Authority (GLA) this week gave Barking and Dagenham Council £100,000 to host the market in Short Blue Place.
Labour councillor Rubina Siddiqui, responsible for the economy, said the market would “help create a more vibrant Barking town centre by supporting local businesses, giving residents even more great food options, and creating a welcoming destination where people can come together”.
The council says it will install six “shipping container-style food stalls” at Short Blue Place, next to McDonalds in East Street.
The market will also have an outside eating area, and host cultural performances organised by Artsdepot, which council leaders recently agreed should run the nearby Broadway Theatre.
The council has yet to confirm when the market will take place, and told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) it is still drawing up how traders can apply for a stall.
However, a spokesperson said they expect there to be “a strong focus on supporting businesses with a connection to Barking and Dagenham”.
The council also says the market will “showcase the borough’s diversity, reflecting the rich culture and cuisine of the community”.
Labour council leader Dominic Twomey said: “This investment builds on Barking’s proud history as a market town by supporting local entrepreneurs, increasing footfall and creating a stronger evening economy.
“By enhancing our market offer, creating attractive spaces for people to gather, eat and enjoy cultural events, we’re helping to build a town centre that is lively, inclusive and thriving.”
The GLA chose the council as one of four boroughs to be given money from its Summer Streets programme to host “al fresco” food events.
The council told the LDRS the money will “support the infrastructure needed” to set up the new food market.
