Revealed: how Wimborne Market could look at proposed new site

Ensors hope their vision of a new country market and Roman Camp Heritage Centre will meet with the approval of local residents and planners.

The company has also released a statement about its intentions but the Daily Echo has been unable to speak with owners directly.

Shocked traders at the historic Station Road market received letters on Friday telling them that the 165-year-old market will close later this year.

They were told a new site has been identified at Wimborne Showground at Lake Gates, near the junction with the A31 and the B3078.

In a statement Ensors said: "The majority of Wimborne residents will be unaware of the Roman history that is locked below the Showground site – the aim of Ensors is to bring this important heritage sensitively back to life to enable a unique atmosphere to be generated and to provide an attraction that will bring new visitors into the town.

"Ensors have instructed a local architectural practice to produce an initial concept of what the market will look like and where it will be located. Ensors have also instructed local planning consultants to begin pre-application dialogue with the local planning authority and the Wimborne Town Council to ensure that the closure of the existing Wimborne Market site can dovetail with the opening of the new country market."

The spokesman added: "This is an important period for the town with much new residential development taking place. In order to keep Wimborne’s distinct country character, it is considered that the new market site is essential in ensuring that the town doesn’t simply become subsumed into the Bournemouth and Poole conurbation. There is also scope to provide community benefits via the new market location with perhaps a new park and ride facility or other measures which will alleviate transport pressures in the area generally."

Traders were told the existing market is no longer financially viable due to high business rates and changing shopping habits.