Market Traders, visitors, residents, businesses and local stakeholders are invited to be part of a period of engagement that will explore improvements for Retford Market.
Bassetlaw District Council is putting forward proposals that will revise the layout of market stalls in response to suggestions that were put forward by traders and local stakeholders during previous consultation and engagement events, as well as changes in the way the market operates.
Everyone will have the opportunity to view the proposed alternative layouts with two options being assembled on non-market days over the course of a two-week period. Council officers will also be on hand to speak with anyone who has questions or would like to put forward their views as part of this engagement period, which will run from Tuesday 17th February until Sunday 15th March.
The revised stall layouts aim to make the Cenotaph a more prominent and visible part of the market, improve access for shoppers and visitors, deal with vehicle safety and access issues and increase the visibility of traders. These are the final measures to be proposed following the original Market Trader consultation and engagement sessions that ran between November 2023 and January 2024, and in October 2024.
The proposed changes are also in response to new ways in which the market must operate to remain sustainable and viable. Part of this process means the council needs to create a single layout that will be compatible for both the Provisions Market on Thursdays and Saturdays, as well as the Antiques and Collectables Market on Fridays.
The layouts also need to account for larger stalls as part of the upgrades that are being phased in over the coming weeks and include new canopies, back and side sheets, boards and refurbished frames, in addition to adapting to a new booking and payment process for traders that will inform the position and number of stalls for each market day.
Cllr Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Identity, Planning and Place at Bassetlaw District Council said: “We hope that this latest period of engagement will allow everyone to view and consider the revised layouts for Retford Market before providing their views in a constructive way.
“We understand that any form of change is not always welcomed, both for traders and members of the public. However, we also need to ensure that Retford Market can be a sustainable and viable market for many more years to come.
“These proposals are essential to ensure the market continues to provide a high-quality offer for both traders and customers, and that it continues to be an important part of the town’s retail and cultural make-up.”
The council will set up two revised market layout options, on non-market days, across two consecutive weeks, on the following dates:
Layout A - Saturday 14th February (evening) until Wednesday 18th February (afternoon).
Layout B - Saturday 21st February (evening) until Wednesday 25th February (afternoon).
Officers will host a stall on the market on Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th February, and then Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th February, between 10am and 2pm.
Market Traders are also invited to be part of these sessions. However, traders will also have the opportunity to provide their views on market days with officers visiting individual stalls during the engagement period.
If you would like to be part of this engagement for Retford Market, please visit our stall on one of the engagement days or complete this form.
Last Updated on Friday, February 13, 2026