In 2019, the council secured a grant of £772,085 which is going towards a £1.22m project called ‘Joining up the Wyre Coastline Economy’.
The vision is to link the coastal economies of Cleveleys and Fleetwood by strengthening ties between key visitor attractions using digital signage and an interactive app. However a large part of the project has included the refurbishment and modernisation of Fleetwood Market to create new outdoor units and pop up stalls and space for start-up businesses as well as offering creative studio spaces.
After consulting with local community groups and in particular creative groups it became apparent that there was a lack of space in Fleetwood for the creative and arts sector. We are developing 220sq metres of space over the market into studios to offer spaces where artists and creative people can work from, develop products and maybe even sell their pieces on the trading floor of the market itself.
The space would see local exhibitions, community group activities, school trips and would provide a different offer and edge to the market, hopefully attracting a new type of customer.
The creative studio space at Market House is designed to be fully flexible to suit/accommodate most makers/creatives and artist’s. There is a mix of large shared studio space and smaller studios which can be shared by a collective of artists or individuals. It is designed to be affordable for all. Offering flexible working times and space size. Space can be hired out for a short/long term to suit needs.
The Fleetwood outdoor market improvement work commences very soon. We are looking at various options and designs to give visitors and traders the best environment we can to shop and trade.
Following a consultation with visitors and traders it was highlighted that there was a lack of an offer around fresh food. The project would like to see quality fresh produce and a hot street style food offer outside combined with food and themed events to attract more footfall to the market in general. There will be 8 new units offering the basic set up which you can customise for your business needs.
Michael Vincent portfolio holder for Planning and Economic Development at Wyre Council says “ We are very pleased with the progress so far at Fleetwood Market and the positive change this funding is providing to enhance the area for tourists, businesses and the local community. I would like to encourage businesses and creative people interested in utilising the facilities of the studios to come forward and express their interest to make Fleetwood market a community space for all to enjoy.”
This is the first call out for expressions of interest. The deadline for submissions is Saturday 29 February 2020. Please go to www.wyre.gov.uk/coastlineeconomy to download the application forms.
Submissions should be sent to fleetwoodmkt@wyre.gov.uk
For more information call 01253 887651