For the past 2 years, since I was elected as a LibDem Councillor for West Hampstead, I have been searching for a site for a regular market in West Hampstead. We managed to organise a one-day Christmas Market on West End Green for the past two years, but nothing on a regular weekly basis.
When I saw the forecourt outside the new Thameslink station I thought it would be an ideal site and so I approached the train company's executives at the opening ceremony last December. After several months of discussions and with the support of the new West Hampstead Business Association we finally secured agreement in principle.
We then asked local people what type of market they would like and the overwhelming response was a "real food market". Other options were arts/crafts and antiques but fresh food not available in supermarkets was the winner.
Although some members of the WHBA explored the option of running it as a community venture to support local entrepreneurs, it was soon apparent that the level of investment, time and resources required was just not feasible. London Farmers' Markets, that run markets across London was therefore approached and they were enthusiastic about running a market in West Hampstead on the Thameslink site. It was agreed that it would not be viable to launch a new market over the summer or during the Olympics so September was agreed and so marketing has begun to launch on Saturday 22nd September from 10am to 2pm and every Saturday thereafter.
Details of the produce to be offered will be confirmed nearer the time. If local entrepreneurs want to participate in the market, they should contact www.lfm.org.uk.
I am really excited about the market coming to West Hampstead and have even rearranged my holiday to ensure that I am there at the opening on the 22nd. I hope it will really contribute to the community of West Hampstead, boost local trade and encourage further retail investment in the area.
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