Last week we had to tell SMBC we could not support the Heritage Lottery Fund bid for the Glass Umbrella. We are in favour of investment in the long term future of the Market, but the plans lacked the confidence of the Market traders we identified various weaknesses to the plan which gave us reason to think it might undermine the commercial viability of the Market and not protect the Heritage of the Marketplace.
We have now been told that SMBC are going to delay the bid until January, during which time SMBC want to collaborate with the traders, the Trust and other interested bodies to produce a bid which can gain general support.
On 12 December, SMBC are going to debate a statement which would define their strategy for the Market. It is hoped that this will give a clear vision for the future.
This is an opportunity for the Trust and the public to be involved the process.
