Decision
Analysis
outcome: It is recommended that the Director authorise the grant to Bearmont Group.
summary: The decision involves providing a £310,000 grant to Bearmont Group for the construction of a flexible food court area within the Grade II listed Market Hall.
topline: The Director of Place and Economy has decided to provide a £310,000 grant to Bearmont Group for the construction of a food court in the Market Hall.
reason_contentious: The issue is contentious as it involves public funds being allocated to a private company for a specific project.
affected_stakeholders: ["Cumberland Council", "Bearmont Group", "Market Hall tenants", "Local residents"]
contentiousness_score: 7
political_party_relevance: There are no explicit mentions of political parties in the decision.
URL: https://cumberland.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=582
Decision Maker: Director of Place and Economy
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose:
Content: It is recommended that the Director authorise the provision of a £310,000 grant sourced from the Council’s Capital Programme to a Bearmont Group (Bearmont) for the purpose of supporting the pilot phase cost of the construction works required create a flexible food court area within the Grade II listed Market Hall. This is a decision for the Director in consultation with the Chief Legal Officer and the Chief Finance Officer. Portfolio holder and ward member have visibility of the project and briefing note summarising the approach will be forwarded in advance of the publication of the ODN. The revitalisation of the Market Hall has been identified by Cumberland Council as a priority city centre regeneration asset. The grant is intended to remedy a market failure in regard of the Market Hall which has a 64 % vacancy rate of market stalls. It has been acknowledged that the indoor market – exacerbated by a history of a complicated leasing / management structure - has been underperforming relative to its latent potential and has failed to diversify and adapt to the changing environment (and trends) on the high street. A pilot project commenced five years ago to look at increasing the food & beverage offer in the indoor market as this had been successful in other similar market places. Vacant stores were repurposed and others used to create seating areas. The project has successfully evidenced by increased footfall and a wider demographic of operators and users. However, further progress can only occur with major investment to reconfigure the existing facility. An extension of this pilot phase is proposed based on the findings of a recent options appraisal funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Council has considered the option of undertaking the work, however, it is more cost effective for Bearmont to implement the scheme as part of their ongoing improvement works of the Market Hall. There would be added value to the improvements resulting from the grant spend as Bearmont will meet the funding gap.
Date of Decision: June 24, 2025