Page 15 - MarketTimesAugust2014
P. 15

Barnet is back from the brink
Barnet's much loved market in North London is back from the brink. The market had dwindled to a handful of stalls, but under new ownership it is booming, with queues at many stalls from early morning and some stalls sold out by lunchtime. NICOLA GOULD takes
a look
With a history dating back more than 810 years and a loyal customer base, Barnet Market in North London should have weathered the recession reasonably well.
But the once booming market has had a roller coaster ride in recent years, with several moves from its home off St Albans Road, and a spell under one particular owner that saw the number of stalls dwindle to just a handful, and traders’ morale hit rock bottom.
A new owner, the William Pears Group, acquired the market, along with the nearby Spires Shopping Centre, in early 2013.
The group is a family-run, privately-owned property group, which reportedly keeps a low profile, and traces its roots to North London.
The traders were initially sceptical about their promises.
But, says David Bone, Barnet’s longest serving market trader, the group has delivered on every one.
They appointed a private operator, Saunders Markets Ltd, to take over its running. And under a new, hands-on regime, the market has staged a dramatic comeback. It is full on a Saturday, with long queues building up at anchor stalls, and new businesses are starting up on the market all the time.
Wednesdays are still a struggle, traders say. But the Pears Group are keen to develop The Spires Shopping Centre, and see the market as integral to this.
Saunders are organising events to attract footfall, such as a Punch and Judy show and classic car events.
No wonder traders feel that this is the start of a return to the good times.
Dave Bone, who began his market life selling cauliflowers on a box at the age of eight, takes up the market story.
“This used to be a cattle market,” he said. “My dad used to deal in cattle back in 1959, but he saw the potential for a retail market and became the first trader to set up a fruit and veg stall in the corner.”
Barnet market traces its roots back to 1199 when King John granted a charter to the Abbot of St Albans.
Formerly a town in rural Hampshire, there are still green fields relatively close to the centre, so it was a natural place for a livestock market.
That need lessened over the years, and gradually more retail traders joined David’s dad. Soon Barnet evolved into a retail market, with the emphasis on local produce.
“Barnet has always been a privately-run market,” said David. “It used to be owned by the cattle market auctioneer, a Mr Young.”
The market was famous for its bustle and atmosphere, and the Wednesday and Saturday charter market brought crowds and plenty of business into Barnet.
A change of ownership brought hard times during the recession.
But the traders are now very optimistic about the future. David Bone has queues forming at his stall from as early as six or seven in the morning.
Andy Gardiner, who is the third generation to run the fruit and veg business at the other end of the market, said times are good once more.
“We have been through some really difficult times,” said Andy, whose grandparents, Enid and Charles, started the family business.
Andy has taken it over from his parents, Tony and Maureen. His brother, Charles,
sells flowers, plants and eggs at the adjacent
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