St Nicholas Market 'could open some evenings'

A hugely popular city centre market could open on Sundays and weekend evenings under new proposals.

Later on Monday Bristol City Council will discuss a new vision for St Nicholas Market, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It comes a year after traders clashed with Bristol City Council over proposals to increase fees. However, the move was deferred after more than 5,000 people signed a petition against it.

Traders in the market, which dates back to the late 1700s, say they are hopeful that the formation of a new stakeholder group will give them a "proper voice".

The council's vision document sets out plans for better maintenance and cleaning, signposting and advertising, as well as longer-term ambitions to open a rooftop venue.

Extra security and staff could be put on, according to the document, for Sundays or Friday and Saturday evenings.

"Current hours limit trader income and prevent the market from capitalising on peak customer demand, particularly evenings and weekends," the document added.

Long-term trader Lynn Hanby said: "What we'll be looking at, alongside making sure that any changes don't affect the viability and stability of businesses here, is that we don't lose that essential quality that makes St Nick's loved by everyone."

Hanby, who has run an arts and crafts stall at the market for more than three decades, said the new stakeholder group was a step "in the right direction".

"It's been at times a difficult process, but I think we've come a long way since the beginning of that process and now we're hopeful that we will have a proper voice at the table.

"Matters that affect traders' businesses need to come to that group and need to come early enough for it to be meaningful, and to have the potential to shape policy," she said.

Andrew Keith-Smith, who runs a T-shirt shop and stall at the market, said he was "delighted" with the move.

"It's been quite a journey… it's been really quite gratifying to see that we've progressed to a stage, where traders feel their voices are being heard and incorporated into the future strategy that the market direction is going in.

"I think there's an awful lot of love for St Nicholas Market, its independent spirit and its unique nature," he added.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.