Street Markets
Market Co-operatives
From Tuesday 1st November 2011 there is a new look and feel to all of our markets in Swale now in the ownership of local co-operatives. Following in the footsteps of Sheerness, co-operatives are being set up in Faversham and Sittingbourne. There are now almost 5,000 independent co-operatives in the UK and with co-operatives set to transform the economic landscape these are exciting times for Swale’s market traders and customers alike.
With traditional town centre markets facing strong competition from out-of-town shopping centres, an increasing number of national discount stores and ‘boot fairs’, the co-operative markets provides a viable alternative to the everyday shopping offer meeting customer needs.
Faversham Street Market
Faversham Market is the oldest in Kent and has a history going back at least 900 years.
The backdrop to the market is the picturesque town; the historic buildings from old Tudor through to Georgian and later Victorian are all beautifully kept. Many of the buildings were intended for demolition as recently as the 1960s, until the value of the buildings, now listed, was recognised and local people began a determined fight to restore and preserve the area.
The scene that meets you has changed so little it would still be recognised by Shakespeare, who acted here, and Queen Elizabeth I, who visited the town in 1572.
At one end of the market is Shepherd Neame's brewery, the oldest in Britain. You often smell the unique aroma of malt and hops as you browse in the market! You could try a cup of Earl Grey and a tea cake in any of the reasonably priced cafes? Or sup a pint of ale in one of Faversham's traditional pubs.
Faversham's street market is now held in the town centre around the Guildhall in Market Place and Court Street on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, from 8.30am to 4.00pm.
The market offering varies during the three days, with a variety of stalls selling household essentials, clothes, trinkets, fresh plants and flowers, fruit and vegetables; with many local food producers in evidence particularly on Saturdays.
It is only a few minutes walk from the main car park, and just five minutes from the station, too.
So if you fancy a nostalgic trip in pleasant surroundings, Faversham Market is a great place to shop.
For further information including pitch bookings, then please contact Grahame Kane on 07550 011 634 or Email Faversham Market
Sittingbourne Market
A market with a long and proud history which will be enhanced by the town centre’s redevelopment and new opportunities for increased footfall as Sittingbourne establishes itself as a new and exciting shopping destination. Currently placed within the Forum Shopping Centre car park, the market provides a range of everyday goods at sensible prices.
For further information including pitch bookings, then please contact Martin Lee on 07521 730812 or Email Martin Lee
Sheerness Market
Managed by Martin Lee the Sheerness Co-operative is now an integral part of the local community with community groups welcome to to prebook a pitch and promote their work. The market also took part in the Isle of Sheppey Academy Apprentice 2010 and 2011 competitions by providing a pitch for a competition task; this gave students a chance to see how hard it is to sell in the real world.
Support the market and make a point of picking up the latest bargain every Tuesday and Saturday mornings in Sheerness Town Centre on part of the Rose Street car park.
For further information including availability of pitch bookings then please contact Martin Lee, 07521 730812 or Email Martin Lee
