Docklands Farmers Market finds a new home

The Docklands Farmers Market will be relocating to Marvel Stadium in September due to upcoming events at NewQuay Promenade and unpredictable weather.

The market will now be held at Gate 3 of the stadium on September 7 – a covered space with a new atrium that protects stallholders and visitors from the elements, providing a suitable alternative when NewQuay Promenade isn’t unavailable.

Aside from Diwali and New Year celebrations, Marvel Stadium is rarely used for community events, and this new partnership is something the market’s organisers hope to continue developing in the years ahead.

With major events such as the Firelight Festival and the Melbourne Boat Show on the horizon, there was a risk of scheduling clashes. The move – set to last until November – will allow the market to continue operating consistently during this period.

Market manager Tim Walsh is pleased with the community response, especially given the market is still in its infancy.

“The market hasn’t been going for a year yet, so we’re still working on what works best,” he said.

In an ideal world, Mr Walsh said he would like to see the market operate from two venues – one for winter and one for summer – so that cold and wild winter weather doesn’t deter visitors.

Nicole Johnston, a member of the market’s administration team, said the move marked an important chapter in the market’s growth.

“The market has been well-received,” she said. “Locals treat it like a village square. We provide tables and chairs so people can sit with coffee and dumplings, and there’s always chatter in our community Facebook groups.”

“It’s a steady start – it’s not the busiest market yet, but we consistently have more than 30 vendors. The fact that they keep coming back shows they have faith in the market’s long-term potential.” •