THE city council has hit out over the lack of progress being made in redeveloping Sneinton Market.
The council is "frustrated" by the pace of improvements being made by the market's current private owners.
The council itself recently made considerable investment to redevelop the adjoining Victoria Leisure Centre and Sneinton Square.
And council bosses are applying for European funding to refurbish Sneinton Market as well as a property nearby at 1a Dakeyne Street.
The plans for 1a Dakeyne Street will create a hub for up to 45 small and medium-sized hi-tech businesses, networking spaces and a café.
City council leader Jon Collins, also ward councillor for St Ann's, said: 'Whilst the council has been in dialogue with various owners of Sneinton Market, we are frustrated by the pace of improvement. If the private sector owners cannot improve Sneinton Market, then move aside and the council will."
If the council's funding bid is successful, subsequent refurbishment in Sneinton Market will create state-of-the-art workspaces for Nottingham's creative business community, hosting unique arts and design workspaces, an exhibition gallery and business support facilities.
The city council is submitting a planning application this summer.
Councillor Collins added: "If our funding bid is successful, we will create the environment for digital, arts and design businesses to flourish, creating local jobs."
Najdat Kaya is manager of Murat Food in Gedling Street in the Sneinton Market area.
He said: "People are talking about it, but they spent a lot on the market square and now less people are coming here.
"If they [the council] talk to us more it could be better - we don't know what's going on."
James Middleton lives in neighbouring Bath Street and understands the council's frustrations.
The 33-year-old tennis coach said: "They're missing a massive opportunity here - Sneinton Market could be Nottingham's equivalent of Camden market.
"It's a chance to extend Nottingham city centre, redevelop the area, increase house prices and regenerate a historic part of the city."
Samuel Rogers, 24, lives in Windmill Lane, Sneinton.
The student said: "Of course it's frustrating - we want to see Sneinton reach its potential. The plans sound great and this could be a brilliant area, especially as it is essentially part of the city centre anyway.
"If people are standing in the way of the redevelopment, that is frustrating."
