Watford Market traders hope development will boost footfall

The borough council granted permission for a major High Street development last week. It includes demolishing all but the façade of the former Clements department store, creating a new market with 35 individual units, and building two residential towers of 17 and seven storeys each.

Since moving from Charter Place, the covered market, accessed near the Exchange Road overpass, has been made up of 45 container units offering a range of street food, retail goods, and services.

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The design and location have proved controversial and so Toni Budo, of Toni’s Greek Coffee Bar, thinks that a transformation would be “great news for the market” and make it “much better looking for everyone”.

Other traders were more uncertain whether the change will revive its popularity by itself, but many suggested any change would be an improvement on the existing setup.

“I think something has got to improve it, it's not a very good place at the moment,” said Joe Stokes from Aylesbury Fisheries. “It’s not a great place for a market, it should have been out on the street.”

Sandesh Soonjoo at Jumping Jacks. (Image: Sandesh Soonjoo)

Images of how the redesigned market could look suggest it will be much more opened-up and visible directly from the high street, which would address a problem that shoppers have often raised.

Glomens African Store owner Festus Boahin and Sandesh Soonjoo from Jumping Jacks both thought that, if the reality stacks up to CGIs from the proposal, it would be a big boost to the market.

“It’s hiding, it’s not busy,” added Mr Boahin. “I think when they redesign it, it will become nice and people will get to know it more.”

CGI shows how a redeveloped Watford Market could look. (Image: Makower Architects/Watford Borough Council planning portal)

Muhammed at Rysha Watches worries the current “hidden” location is hurting businesses as low footfall means as few as just two customers visit the store by on quiet days.

He said the whole market “looks like a ghost town” and is like “living in exile” due to being detached from the high street.

Gianluca D’Amico. (Image: Gianluca D’Amico)Meanwhile, Gianluca D’Amico, from Mentality Barbershop is undecided whether the change will be good for businesses, but said his main concern is what he will do while it is under construction.

The barber has built a strong town centre customer base but fears a potential temporary move would be a big setback.

Councillor Tim Williams, who is responsible for neighbourhood services, said: “We are committed to ensuring a thriving market in Watford, and since the recent improvements, occupancy rates have been very positive, and it is currently close to 100 per cent.

Jumping Jacks' dishes and High Street stall. (Image: Sandesh Soonjoo)“Progress has also been shown with many businesses growing into their own permanent premises, which helps support the local economy, as well as the regular turnout at events like Market Lates and speciality markets. Many of the current traders also play a key role in the local food delivery scene.

“Markets and retail have evolved, and we find that food-led stalls are particularly successful. We've brought in traders who can thrive by building their customer base through bookings and speciality trade.

"We know foot traffic in the market is limited, so we offer traders the opportunity to rent a gazebo on The Parade. Many benefit from this high-footfall area. Market license fees are also much lower than shops in busy locations, making it great for small businesses to start or stay cost-effective.

He added: “The potential new development could bring great benefits, creating a more attractive and accessible route to the market from the High Street and Beechen Grove. It would establish a central market space that enhances the market's identity, generate more footfall and offer opportunities for further events.

“I look forward to working with our traders to maximise the market's success. Our small businesses are the lifeblood of Watford's economy and vital to our town's prosperity.”