Northampton market traders owe £83,000 amid continuing concerns over footfall as council says it is 'doing all it can'

Northampton town centre market traders owe more than £83,000 in rent and other charges, with the council saying it is working with those in arrears to agree repayment arrangements.

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request by this newspaper shows that eight traders owe more than £83,000 in outstanding rent, pitch fees and other market charges.

It also confirms one case of legal proceedings and three referrals to a recovery agency since October 2024, when the revamped Market Square opened.

The charges are £30 per day for a fixed cabin stall, £15 per day for a pop-up tent stall and £30 per day for a mobile food unit.

One trader, who was moved down to Commercial Street car park before returning to the revamped Square, said they try to pay as much rent as they can but criticised the lack of trade and footfall since returning.

They said: “What are they going to do, put me in prison? I’ve got nothing left [to take].”

The Chronicle & Echo asked West Northamptonshire Council whether it believed the charges were appropriate, whether it was concerned about the level of arrears and whether the figures showed businesses on the square were struggling to make money, amid previous concerns from traders about a lack of footfall.

Responding, a WNC spokesman said: “Northampton Market Square is a top priority for the council and we now have 33 market stalls occupied on Saturdays, with Friday occupancy expected to reach full capacity shortly.

“Markets across the country continue to face challenges, and we are doing all we can to increase footfall, support traders and strengthen Northampton's town centre offer. This includes ongoing work to enhance the market, attract visitors and create new opportunities for traders.

“A small number of traders currently have outstanding arrears, and we continue to work closely with them to agree repayment arrangements and resolve issues wherever possible. Market fees and charges are competitively priced in line with comparable locations and are kept under regular review.

“We continue to welcome new traders, maintain strong occupancy levels and deliver popular events that bring people into the town centre, and we look forward to building on this momentum through a programme of future events, including our upcoming Winterfest activities, which will be announced shortly.

“We would encourage the Chronicle & Echo to help showcase the many positive developments taking place in the square, including new traders, positive occupancy levels and popular events that drive footfall, and support the businesses investing in Northampton's future, rather than reinforcing negative perceptions.”

Editor’s note: WNC has made this comment before in relation to the Chron’s analysis of occupancy rates in Market Square. We gave nine examples in recent months of stories promoting the Market Square and highlighting new traders.

Reacting to the council’s response, one trader said the council was being “heavy handed” over the arrears and said “WNC does not agree that any of the failings of the market are down to them”.

They added: “Traders are fuming.”

Construction of the revamped Market Square began in February 2023 and it officially reopened in October 2024.

Traders were moved to Commercial Street car park during the works, where they said they struggled to make a living, before returning to the revamped square.

The project cost approximately £13.5m and includes bespoke fixed and pop-up stalls with electricity, water and lighting, as well as new paving, seating, trees and a water fountain.