'With the right vision, this space can be transformed,' farmers' market plan could revitalise Ryemarket

Plans are being mooted to try to bring a regular monthly farmers market back to Stourbridge town centre.

Conservative campaigners Rich Prosser and Steve Hancock, who are standing as candidates in the May 7 local election for the Wollaston and Stourbridge Town ward, have been having discussions with the town’s Ryemarket Shopping Centre manager about the possibility of the centre hosting regular markets to help boost footfall.

The proposal follows the success of the recent Makers Market held in the Ryemarket Shopping Centre in February, which helped create a vibrant atmosphere in the town centre and brought a 28 per cent increase in footfall compared with the same trading period last year.

In February, the Ryemarket hosted the market featuring 30 independent makers, as part of a pilot project supported through the West Midlands Combined Authority Mayoral Market Fund and delivered in partnership with Dudley Council.

Steve Hancock said: “The town was buzzing on the day of the Makers Market, and people have often spoken about wanting to bring back a regular Sunday Farmers Market, so I have enlisted the help of Suzanne and Aaron, who are equally passionate about the town, to see if we can make it happen. It would be beneficial for the town to have regular markets and hopefully bring more footfall for local traders and hospitality.”

Former Stourbridge Suzanne Webb OBE, who has continued to campaign on community issues since losing her seat to Labour in 2024, has welcomed the idea, saying: “I am more than happy to support Steve in this campaign.

“The regeneration funding secured by Andy Street and me for Stourbridge will help transform key parts of the town centre, including Ryemarket Square. I believe it will create a fantastic opportunity to hold a farmers market in the heart of the town, and my long-held ambition to see the town positively regenerated.

“Steve is deeply passionate about Stourbridge, and like many residents, wants to see the town centre thrive once again.”

Aaron Powell, manager of the Ryemarket Shopping Centre, said: “This is a fantastic idea from Steve and one that reflects conversations already taking place with local stakeholders around introducing more specialist and community-led markets into the town centre, including the potential for regular Sunday markets.

“The forthcoming Active Travel and regeneration works in Stourbridge, particularly around the public realm space fronting Ryemarket Shopping Centre, present a real opportunity to create an attractive and flexible community square for events, markets and town centre activity. With the right vision, this space can be transformed into a destination that better serves residents, businesses and visitors alike.”

A spokesperson for Stourbridge BID (Business Improvement District) also added: “Stourbridge BID is fully supportive of initiatives that increase footfall, encourage repeat visits and strengthen the town centre offer. Regular markets, community events and well-designed public spaces all play an important role in creating a welcoming destination.

“We look forward to working with partners, businesses and stakeholders to help maximise the opportunities presented by the forthcoming regeneration works and to ensure Stourbridge continues to evolve as a thriving town centre.”

Further events are now planned in the Ryemarket Shopping Centre on Sunday July 5, in conjunction with the annual One Heart One Way Black Country Festival, and again on Saturday December 5 for Christmas.