Reinvigorating Kingston’s Ancient Market; new market operator announced
Kingston Council is delighted to announce that it has appointed Between The Bridges as the new operator for Kingston Ancient Market from 1 April 2025.
Between The Bridges is a leading UK market operator, with experience managing street markets and exciting events across the capital, including the Southbank ‘Between The Bridges’ market, Clapham’s Venn Street Market and Winterville. The team brings a unique blend of creative and hospitality expertise alongside extensive market and site management.
Between The Bridges’ appointment marks a new operating model for Kingston Ancient Market as they will manage all activity at Kingston Ancient Market, including the street trading market and Ancient Market House. This change looks to reinvigorate the space, support traders and local enterprise, boost our community and cultural offering, and drive increased footfall.
The vision for Kingston Ancient Market involves close collaboration with local communities to ensure the market reflects the rich culture of Kingston. With a seasoned team of professionals, Between The Bridges will look to transform the market into a vibrant, distinctive venue that fosters a strong sense of community.
Following extensive local engagement on aspirations for Kingston’s Ancient Market, the Council's Corporate & Resources Committee approved the market operator recommendation on 21 November 2024, following a review of the bids received.
This appointment delivers on Council priorities to revitalise a town centre asset, benefit local communities and local enterprise, celebrate local heritage and culture, support a fairer society, and address commitments to climate change challenges.
Kingston Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Leisure, Alison Holt said:
“The Ancient Market Place has been the historic heart of Kingston town centre since the 12th Century, and as part of our conversations and engagement with communities on the future of the space, we have heard how loved it is by all.
We are committed to supporting local businesses to thrive, and by bringing all of Kingston Ancient Market’s spaces under one operating arrangement, we have an exciting opportunity to boost economic development and growth in the borough, increase footfall to the street market and surrounding businesses, and transform this key town centre space.
We would like to extend our thanks to all the team at Kingston First for their stewardship and management of Kingston’s street market over the past decade. Their team is committed to ensuring Kingston is a great place to work, live, study and enjoy, and we look forward to continuing our partnership, including across our joint town centre projects.”
Between The Bridges, Marcus Weedon said:
“We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Kingston Council to build a vibrant future that honours Kingston Market’s rich heritage whilst revitalising the spaces through thoughtful design and improved facilities.
Our plans include investments in modernising permanent kiosks and stalls, creating inviting communal seating areas, refurbishing Ancient Market House and ensuring that every corner of the market reflects the unique identity of Kingston.
We truly value the longstanding traditions of Kingston Market and the strong sense of community it has fostered over the years and we look forward to working closely with the traders and the community as we embark on this exciting journey.”