After a proposed rent increase was deferred last year, Bristol City Council and traders have established a stakeholder group and a market vision that includes maintenance work, improved promotion, Sunday openings and possible rooftop venues.
Traders and the council have formed a formal stakeholder group to consult on changes and short-term upgrades, including toilet refurbishments and maintenance.
The council’s market vision proposes boosting footfall through advertising, trialling Sunday openings with extra staffing and security, and exploring longer-term uses such as a rooftop venue.
Larger refurbishment projects would seek external funding and aim to protect the market’s independent character and business viability.
# What changed since the rent row Last year Bristol City Council proposed substantial rent increases for St Nicholas Market traders. The proposal prompted a large public petition and concern that several small businesses might be forced to close. Councillors later voted to defer the planned fee rise.
Traders say the pause and public support shifted the relationship with the council. Instead of unilateral decisions about rents and operations, traders and the council have set up a stakeholder group to feed into a new market vision.
# The new market vision — short-term and longer-term elements The vision document presented to councillors outlines a mix of practical short-term improvements and longer-term ambitions.
Short-term items: maintenance and cleanliness, improved signposting and advertising, and refurbishment of toilets scheduled for early next year. Traders welcomed visible commitments on basics they have repeatedly raised.
Medium-to-long-term ideas: trialling Sunday openings to increase trading opportunities, adding extra security and staff for extended hours, and exploring use of currently unused spaces such as a rooftop for events or venues. The document suggests larger projects could be funded through external sources rather than immediate council-driven rent rises.
# Trader perspectives Lynn Hanby, who runs an arts and crafts stall and chairs the new steering group, described the process as difficult at times but now moving in a more collaborative direction. She wants early and meaningful consultation when matters affecting traders' businesses are discussed and supports trials of Sunday openings while recognising views will vary between traders.
# Finance and fees
# What comes next Councillors on the economy and skills policy committee were due to consider the market vision on September 28. If adopted, the immediate follow-ups are stakeholder group meetings to set priorities, the toilet refurbishment early next year, and targeted advertising to sustain recent increases in footfall. Any trial of Sunday openings would require planning around staffing, security, and trader buy-in.
# Why this matters to Bristol St Nicholas Market is a long-standing independent market in Bristol's Old City with substantial public support. The current approach focuses on stabilising trading conditions, addressing day-to-day maintenance, and testing measures to boost footfall without imposing sudden cost shocks on traders. The agreement to form a trader-led stakeholder group changes how future decisions will be shaped.
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