Market traders in Great Yarmouth are set to benefit from a major funding boost from Europe through a project to help revitalise historic markets and boost their wider economy.

The town is one of nine communities in this country and France to be supported in a scheme called Go Trade, which is worth more than five million euros.

Great Yarmouth has been handed more than 224,000 euros with additional support provided from Great Yarmouth Borough Council

The borough council and Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership will work closely with market traders, as well as 14 other project partners in both countries, to develop and implement the project.

Great Yarmouth will be jointly responsible for creating a recognisable shared Go Trade brand which will be used at all nine markets. Targeted at local residents and tourist visitors, it will represent a mark of good quality and diverse local products sold by certified market traders who offer good customer service.

MORE; Market trader woesThe Great Yarmouth markets will continue to be promoted as part of the borough’s tourism offer, with the addition of market-focussed holiday itineraries, including excursions and deals. Go Trade aims to turn the market place into a visitor experience for tourists by hosting an annual programme of themed events, helping to attract more visitors and increase their length of stay.

The town will also enter what is called digital market place, as it has been chosen as one of three locations to test a click and collect scheme for market traders. In addition, there will be business support to encourage more entrepreneurs, including young people, to trade.

Go Trade is funded from the EU-funded Interreg France (Channel) England Programme, with additional support coming from local partners.

MORE; October market schemeGraham Plant, the council leader, said: “We are pleased to have secured this much-welcome investment for our markets and to be involved in this exciting cross-Channel partnership project. Go Trade supports our wider Town Centre Initiative and one of the key Masterplan projects we’re progressing, which is the improvement of the Market Place and six-day market, with a vision for greatly improved markets supported by new service facilities.”

The Market Place and markets are an iconic part of the borough’s rich built heritage and remain an important part of our community, local economy and tourism offer, so we look forward to working closely with market traders and businesses to revitalise and further enhance them for the 21st century.”

MORE; market dwindlesTown centre manager Jonathan Newman, of Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership, said: “The decline of traditional markets in the face of changing consumer habits is a problem facing many communities both in the UK and Europe. The opportunity to work with like-minded towns and cities in England and France to develop initiatives that aim to reinvigorate our own market is very welcome.

“The Town Centre Partnership looks forward to working with Great Yarmouth Borough Council, market traders, retailers and all stakeholders as well as our cross-Channel project partners to help make Great Yarmouth Market once again a must-visit destination for residents and visitors alike.”

Carolyn Reid, Interreg France (Channel) England Programme manager, said: “The Go Trade project is a fantastic example of how collaborating with partners in France can help realise the potential of our shared cultural heritage, which in turn attracts new visitors to the region. We look forward to watching the project develop and seeing the economic benefits it will bring to Great Yarmouth and the other partner towns.”