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Support grows for traders at Victorian Market in Inverness


By Val Sweeney

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Thousands have signed a petition supporting traders such as Kasia Pogo (second left) facing eviction from the market and fish hall.
Thousands have signed a petition supporting traders such as Kasia Pogo (second left) facing eviction from the market and fish hall.

THE fate of traders facing eviction from the Inverness Victorian Market to enable an ambitious revamp will be debated tomorrow by city councillors.

There has been growing public support for 14 traders in the market and fish hall who will be issued with notices to quit early next year if the plans – including a £1.5 million grant from the common good fund – are approved.

An online petition launched last week had been signed by about 3700 people by this afternoon.

The proposals include the creation of a central atrium which could be used for events, an anchor bar/cafe and longer opening hours in a bid to increase footfall and rental income.

Affected traders would be granted compensation based on six months’ rent, or financial equivalent, and would need to reapply for the new units which are expected to open in 2021.

The proposals have prompted anger and dismay among traders and supporters who warn many of the small businesses will close their doors for the last time if they go ahead.

Kasia Pogo, owner of Saffron Oriental Food Shop, said the compensation would not cover the rent for alternative city centre premises.

“We need to change but that doesn’t mean putting 14 families out of business and making them bankrupt,” Miss Pogo declared.

“We are looking for a rethink. We do believe the refurbishment can be done in a different way.”

A report to be discussed at today’s Inverness city committee meeting outlines the business case for the project including identifying a larger anchor bar/restaurant/café tenant with complimentary retail, food and drink tenants.

“Ideally this would be a local operator with a strong background in delivering good quality food,” it states.

Figures reveal that this year’s annual running costs for the entire market are an estimated £266,402 against a rental income of £237,402 – a loss of £29,000.

Pro-rata, the market and fish hall is currently performing at a larger loss of up to £58,953 while it is anticipated annual the rental return after the revamp could be £44,903.

The report states it is currently a liability for the common good fund.

“With no intervention or development, there is considerable risk the market hall/fish hall may continue to lose significant money on an annual basis,” it warns.


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