The Moor: Council chief welcomes return of traders after row with landlord NewRiver

The decision has sparked a boom in interest in the outdoor market before Christmas
By David Walsh
Published 1st Dec 2023, 11:41 BST
Updated 1st Dec 2023, 12:05 BST
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A council chief has welcomed the return of traders to Sheffield’s outdoor market after a U-turn by the landlord.

Coun Joe Otten said it was “great to see” an influx of new stallholders after NewRiver allowed them to return Monday to Wednesday, until December 24.

Flower seller Andrew Millard says takings are 75 per cent down at Moorfoot compared to The Moor.Flower seller Andrew Millard says takings are 75 per cent down at Moorfoot compared to The Moor.
Flower seller Andrew Millard says takings are 75 per cent down at Moorfoot compared to The Moor.
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But The Star understands the move is only temporary and a ban on trading will resume after Christmas - dashing the hopes of many.

In March, NewRiver cleared traders off The Moor in the early part of the week to ‘enhance the goods and services on offer’ at surrounding shops. 

The decision sparked a row with landowner Sheffield City Council which considered suing the firm. A lease agreement protects the market Thursday to Saturday.

Coun Otten, chair of the waste and street scene committee, said: “The council and NewRiver are pleased to offer market traders the opportunity to trade for six days a week until December 24.

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“As a result, we’re seeing traders choosing to increase their days from three to six, and we’re also seeing new traders sign-up, so shoppers will have more stalls and products to choose from during the festive period.

LibDem member of Sheffield City Council Coun Joe Otten challenged Labour leaders to say how they would fund the extra cost of building new council homes this yearLibDem member of Sheffield City Council Coun Joe Otten challenged Labour leaders to say how they would fund the extra cost of building new council homes this year
LibDem member of Sheffield City Council Coun Joe Otten challenged Labour leaders to say how they would fund the extra cost of building new council homes this year

“This development is great to see, and traders interested in trading six days per week up to Christmas Eve should contact [email protected] as soon as possible and we’ll get them quickly signed up.”

Daily charges are £15 Monday to Wednesday, he added.

Florist Andrew Millard was the first to return to the Moor, on Tuesday this week. He said it came after he complained about a huge Santa’s Grotto obscuring the market.

He said: “I’m expecting 20 stalls down here next Tuesday when word gets out. This is most traders’ busiest time and The Moor is where the market should be.

“I’m pushing for it to be made permanent.”

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A NewRiver spokesperson said: “With the support of the council we can confirm that market traders on The Moor have been given the opportunity to trade six days a week over the festive period.

"We continue to make good progress with our plans for The Moor, to ensure it remains the beating heart of the centre of Sheffield.”

Related topics:TradersStallholdersSheffieldChristmasCouncilSheffield City Council

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