Thetford Town Council Press Release 

Future plans for Thetford Market Place. 

At the Full Town Council meeting on Tuesday 28th June 2022, it was agreed in a recorded vote to grant The Red Lion Public House a temporary licence for 12 months to utilise part of the Market Place as an outdoor eating and drinking area. Work for the town-wide Heritage Master Plan development bid will continue and Future Thetford consultations will take place.  

Prior to this meeting, a working group consisting of market stall traders, Red Lion Public House staff and Councillors discussed and agreed the conditions that would support all parties agreeing with the proposal. 

This decision also allows other Market Place tenants to apply for similar licences if they would like to, in the future. 

The recorded vote was as follows: 

Against: 

Cllr Terry Jermy 

Cllr Susan Dowling 

For: 

Cllr Stuart Wright  

Cllr Jane James 

Cllr Denis Crawford 

Cllr Dave Hodgkinson 

Cllr Jen Hollis 

Cllr Mark Taylor 

Cllr Brenda Canham 

Cllr Mike Brindle 

Cllr Barbara Tullett 

Abstain: 

Cllr Chris Harvey 

Cllr Carla Barreto  

The Town Council is the lead body on The NHLF Heritage Masterplan bid with partners including Ancient House Museum, Charles Burrell Museum, Crown Services, Pidgeon Management and English Heritage, with the initial bid being submitted.  There will be a series of consultation events to allow all interested parties to put forward their ideas and opinions, as part of this plan. 

Thetford Mayor Councillor Jane James stated: 

“This decision by the Town Council represents an opportunity to explore and develop the marketplaces potential as a mixed-use venue for the benefit of all the town’s residents.”