Operation and Management of Stockport Market

Stockport Council invites tenders from organisations interested in undertaking the operation and management of Stockport Market or the period 1st January 2026 - 31st December 2030 with an option to extend for a further two years, subject to performance.

A proven track record and experience of market management and operation is essential.

Stockport Market Place lies at the historic heart of the town and is of significant architectural and topographic interest. It is held in great affection by local residents, but it also recognised as one of the jewels of Greater Manchester. With Stockport Museum, Staircase House and The Produce Hall, the Market Place has a strong visitor offer.

Stockport Market, which comprises an outdoor market space and the iconic 'glass umbrella' Covered Market Hall, has traded in the same location since 1260.

There have been significant improvements to the public realm and built environment around the Market Place over the last 15 years, including the full restoration of the Covered Market Hall, enabled by Heritage Lottery Funding.

Like many other markets, the size and retail diversity of Stockport Market has been significantly reduced over the last 20 years as retail patterns have changed and competition has increased. And whilst its located a few minutes walk from the main shopping area the strong food and drink offer and independent retailers within the vicinity of the Market Hall has helped to create a stronger, diverse and attractive offer which encourages people to travel to the Market Place and to spend quality time there and in the town centre generally.

Stockport Council is seeking an operator for the Covered Market Hall and outdoor market area who can continue to create a thriving Market Place. Particular areas where the operator would be expected to make a real difference are:

• Transforming the profile and image of Stockport Market as a shopping and leisure destination,
• Improving the diversity of products available on Stockport Market to cater for a wider audience,
• Developing and enhancing the Saturday outdoor market offer,
• Improving the programme of specialist and event markets taking place in the outdoor market area,
• Maximising occupancy of the Covered Market Hall by market traders,
• Maximising the use of the Covered Market Hall and usage of the outdoor market area for events, activities and activation
• Improving footfall, utilisation and dwell time in the Covered Market Hall

A pre-market engagement notice has not been completed as the contracting authority determined market engagement is not required due to the route to market being an Open Tender exercise.

A planned procurement notice has not been completed as the contracting authority does not wish to reduce the timescales of this tender.

Following the evaluation process, against the criteria published in the invitation to tender documentation (ITT) and in line with Procurement Act 2023 regulations, Market Place (Europe) Limited's offer has been determined to be the most advantageous tender to the Council, and they have therefore been identified as the Council's current Preferred Bidder.

A mandatory standstill period is now in force pursuant to Section 51 of the Procurement Act 2023, this period will end at midnight on 25 November 2025.

The Council will not enter into the Contract before 9am on 26 November 2025.

All bidders have received an assessment summary which explains the scoring they have been given and also includes the relative advantages of the preferred bidder.

This contract for the operation and management of Stockport Market is an income generating contract for the Council (values subject to expenses).

Estimated Contract Values

Firm Period (5 Years): ~£1.3m

Extension (if taken, further 2 Years): ~£500k

Total Contract Value: ~£1.8m