Devizes Town Council held a stakeholder meeting in the Corn Exchange on Thursday 31st January to discuss the forthcoming asset transfer of the Market Place and the Shambles to the Town Council in the spring. The Town Council openly explained the background of the transfer and the challenges and opportunities. Businesses in the immediate vicinity of the Market Place were then invited to ask questions and share their views.
There were lively discussions and a range of views from positive to negative. The rationale behind the decision was clearly articulated and had support from many, but there were also major concerns around the loss of the free parking in the Market Place and the need for more consultation with local businesses.
The Town Council has now announced that they are holding an open meeting for the broader Devizes business community. This meeting will follow the same format as the previous meeting and be an opportunity for businesses to learn about the background to the decision, the plans and to ask questions and share their views.
Date – Tuesday 12th February
Time – 6pm
Location – Corn Exchange
The Chamber Committee are broadly in support of the transfer as it is an exciting opportunity to transform the Town centre and bring benefit to local businesses. We will be working with the Town Council and the new Market Place Manager to ensure that the views of local businesses are clearly communicated and the plans include real opportunities for local businesses to benefit.