Market Forces

Improving Cirencester’s appeal as a classic market town has been 50 years in the planning and is at last coming to fruition, as Tracy Spiers explains.

- Tracy Spiers

THE word ‘change’. It is like liquorice, Marmite and horse radish. You either like it or you don’t. But at least with change, in time most come to accept it and see why it had to happen.

One Cotswold market town which has had its fair share of change in recent months is Cirencester. A few years ago the South Porch of the magnificent parish church was given a facelift and now the areas outside have received an impressive transformation. Today it is partly pedestrianised to allow shoppers to walk around the town centre with more ease, and has revived the meaning of ‘market’ for Cirencester. Traditionally, it has always been a thriving market town and this latest major redesign of the market place takes it back to its roots, whilst at the same time providing a shared space for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles and a place to host new improved markets, themed markets and outdoor concerts. Cirencester’s Friday Charter Market is one of the oldest of its kind in the country and was mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086. Cirencester Farmers’ Market takes place every second and fourth Saturday of the month.

This month workmen will complete the final tasks of this £1.4 million pound initiative led by Cirencester Town Council. The vision was first thought about 50 years ago, discussed in more depth 20 years ago, has been the subject of detailed design and public consultation over the last five years, and has been finally been realised today.

Having lived through building work with two one-year olds, I know first hand the disruption - and dust - reconstruction can create. Yet it was worth it. Likewise many traders have felt the pinch of upheaval. Now it is behind them, they are looking forward to a new-look Cirencester and a safer, more pedestrian-friendly market area.