A city centre trading association has announced it will pilot a street market in the heart of the city.
The Greater George Street Traders Association (GGSTA) will bring a Sustainable Farmer’s Market to George Street on Saturday, July 7, hoping to establish it as a permanent monthly market. The market will be located on the pedestrian area outside John Lewis on George Street.
The GGSTA is made up of George Street businesses and is supported by Aberdeen Inspired. The group hope to raise the profile of George Street as a key trading area in the city centre.
Stuart Milne, general manager of Finnies the Jewellers and chairman of GGSTA, said: “It is exciting to be part of this project and I really hope that this market will be something that the good people of Aberdeen will come out and support. We hope to bring some of the regular traders to our market but we are delighted to be able to bring some new traders as well. It is important that this market helps to bring a fresh and vibrant atmosphere to our great street.”
The market on July 7, will see around 15 local food and drink producers selling top quality fresh and locally produce food. In addition, CFINE & Sustainable Food City Partnership Aberdeen, will be selling fresh fruit and vegetables from their Tuk Tuk. Techfest will also be represented showcasing ‘chemical wizardry’ and Stella’s Voice will be there to promote their reduce, reuse, recycle projects.
If established, it is hoped that the market will occur on the first Saturday of each month and every quarter there will be a festival feel to the market with the Multicultural Centre supporting the festival entertainment to include face painting and musicians.
Geoff Cooper, Aberdeen Inspired city centre manager said: “We’re very pleased to have been working to support the GGSTA to help establish a third street market in Aberdeen. Experience from the Thistle and Belmont Street Markets tells us that the markets help to make shops in the area busier. The increased footfall created by the market is a great thing for the local traders”
“The market will showcase fresh local produce and celebrate the voluntary sector from Aberdeen and the wider north-east, we hope this brings more people and a new buzz to the area by offering something a little different.”
The market is being organised by GGSTA and the funding has been achieved through a grant application to the recent Aberdeen City Council UDecide fund. Match funding was provided by Aberdeen Inspired.
Aberdeen Inspired is the banner under which the Aberdeen BID operates. It is a business-led initiative within the city centre in which levy payers within the BID zone contribute.
Proceeds are used to fund projects designed to improve the business district. More information about Aberdeen Inspired is available at www.aberdeeninspired.com