‘Thorough investigation’ called for into delays Gloucester car boot market contract
After months of delays in awarding the potentially lucrative contract to run the popular car boot sale in Gloucester, calls have been made for an investigation into the process.
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Gloucester City Council announced the new operator for the Hempsted Meadows site last week amid hopes it could become “the most significant in the country”.
The lease to run the car boot sale off David Hook Way was successfully won by Capital Boot Sales after a marketing process run by Gloucester City Council, which owns the site.
As well as being open all year round, there are hopes to host music events, a drive-in cinema and outdoor fitness events.
The company also has car boot sales in Colchester and Chelmsford Sandor in Essex, Bishop’s Stortford, Great Amwell and Cuffley in Hertfordshire and Edmonton in North London.
Applicants were required to submit annual business plans setting out how they will manage the land, meet planning conditions and provide facilities for the public, as well as marshalling events, dealing with waste and fly-tipping, and ensuring the land is well maintained.
The Conservative opposition at North Warehouse welcomed the long-awaited awarding of the lease for Hempsted Meadows.
But they have blasted the months of delays under the current Liberal Democrat administration and have called for a thorough investigation into how the process was conducted.
The Conservatives, who initiated the process in February 2024 to provide long-term stability and certainty for residents and traders, expressed frustration at the prolonged timeline.
“We understood from the outset how important this issue was to the community,” said group leader Stephanie Chambers (Quedgeley Fieldcourt).
“That’s why we acted early to ensure consistency and clarity by issuing a decision for a long lease.”
Despite this early action, the lease process has taken over a year to conclude, causing uncertainty for both residents and potential bidders, she said.
Cllr Andrew Gravells (Abbeydale) has been closely monitoring the process amid concerns that the council has let it drag on unnecessarily, creating avoidable stress for those who rely on the site.
“This should have been a straightforward task,” he said.
“We’re pleased this matter is resolved and we hope future processes are executed in a more timely manner to avoid similar disruption.”
Cllr Victoria Miller (Quedgeley Fieldcourt), who chairs the audit and governance committee, also emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in council operations.
She said; “We will be thoroughly reviewing the process that was followed and will publish our findings once all relevant information has been received and assessed.”
Resources cabinet member Declan Wilson said his Liberal Democrat group is pleased the lease for Hempsted Meadows finalised.
He said now the much-missed Gloucester Car Boot Sale can return which is something residents have been calling for and they worked hard to deliver.
“But we must remember this is a long-term lease on council land, and it is essential we get it right,” he said.
“That is why we insisted on a proper and rigorous process to ensure value for money for Gloucester taxpayers, and to make sure that whoever was awarded the lease could deliver a well-run, safe and community-minded operation.
“This is about more than just the car boot sale. We’re excited that the new operator is also planning imaginative new uses for the site, including music events, cinema screenings and outdoor fitness, so that more residents can enjoy the space.”
Council Leader Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) said the council has taken the time to “do things properly”. And he claimed it was political point-scoring from the Tories.
“I’m experienced enough to remember past disasters from previous administrations such as the failure to do due diligence on the Westgate Car Park deal, ultimately costing local taxpayers £1m, the collapse of Marketing Gloucester and the mess left behind by the Club at Tuffley leaving the council with costs of around £170,000.,” he said.
“We’ve taken the time to do things properly and Gloucester is better off for it.”
By Carmelo Garcia, local democracy reporter for Gloucestershire. carmelo.garcia@reachplc.com