GRAVESEND'S Charter Market is set to become a thriving centre of stalls, small shops and attractions to rival the popular Greenwich Market, according to its new management.

Urban Space Management (USM), London wants to inject £100,000 into the site but needs to know what News Shopper readers want from the market before it puts its plans into action.

It takes over managerial responsibility from Gravesham Borough Council in February. It has worked intermittently with the council for the last decade and will manage the town's market for the next 10 years.

Specific plans for its future will be formed following a USM survey of local traders and shoppers supported by The News Shopper carried out between January 7 and 20 in the market, High Street and surrounding area.

Managing Director Eric Reynolds said improvements would "draw on history as much as possible," but further building, other than a possible shelter over the outdoor market, had been ruled out.

He hopes small businesses, delicatessens and specialist shops will occupy 10 recently refurbished shop units in the market, making it an attractive location for shoppers.

USM will also launch a local and regional advertising campaign in February and is considering mounting advertising flags along the high street to attract shoppers as they did in the market's heyday.

Market Inspector Les Uden who also owns the market's Diane's Diner said: "USM's actions will influence the area and I think it will make the area more vibrant."

He added: "The council hasn't the commercial attitude and USM appears to have a proven track record which can only be a good thing."

Council leader Councillor Rosemary Leadley said USM was more likely to make the market a commercial success than the council.

"The historic importance of the market and its surrounding area is of the utmost importance to the continued regeneration of Gravesend", she added.

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