A scramble for market

27 Mar 2012

Docklands’ latest attraction, the People’s Market, was put together in just four days before opening to welcome 3000 people on March 10.

In what resembled a military operation, brother and sister Stephen and Niki Filipovic and their team worked day and night in preparation for the opening.

Ms Filipovic said Places Victoria granted permission to use the site in Docklands Drive on the Tuesday before the opening.

She said the crew worked until 4am of the opening morning and they were back again at 6 am to welcome the stall holders.

“It’s sounds pointless going home for just two hours, but we were so exhausted and all badly in need of showers,” Ms Filipovic said.

In the short time available, the People’s Market crew delivered, cut and stacked numerous shipping containers and connected power and water.

In the first couple of weeks, the market has averaged between 50 and 60 stall holders and has been encouraged by the response.

Ms Filipovic said she felt particularly welcomed by local Docklanders who had made themselves known to her and encouraged her to succeed with the venture.

“The locals have been great,” she said.  “They’ve all come around and talked about how we all need to support each other.”

Ms Filipovic is hoping the success of the market will influence Places Victoria to extend the market’s lease which is due to expire in October due to the return to the site of Cirque du Soleil.

She said there was so much space at the site, it would be great if both activities could be accommodated.

Comments

• Wayne Slattery at 2:13pm on 28/03/12

  Re People's Market.
  Cost for stall holder?
  Number for booking, details, etc?
  Wayne 0408583723

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