By Luke Voogt
Belmont Market is set to reopen outdoors this Sunday as part of a gradual return to operations.
Geelong council chief executive officer Martin Cutter announced the reopening last week.
“The gradual reopening of the Belmont Market is great news for keen shoppers, stallholders and city employees who have all been impacted by the temporary closures,” Mr Cutter said.
“We’d like to thank the community and stallholders for their patience and understanding as we continue to work through the restrictions for indoor stallholders to ensure we can open safely for the community.”
“The Belmont Market is a highlight of the week for our community, and is an event that brings passionate and like-minded residents together each Sunday.”
The third step of state government’s reopening roadmap allows the market to open with limited numbers and physical distancing in place.
City Hall will reduce the number of outdoor stallholders to allow them to spread out across the site and ensure shoppers follow physical distancing restrictions.
Mr Cutter welcomed the return giving small-scale traders a chance to sell their wares, including pre-loved clothing, jewellery, accessories, fresh produce, plants, handmade crafts and other treasures.
“I look forward to seeing the wide variety of sellers and shoppers return outdoors to this much-loved community market,” he said.
“When visiting we encourage all market shoppers to follow current restrictions, maintain physical distancing, wear a face mask and practise good hygiene.”
City Hall is currently planning for indoor stallholders to safely return to Barwon Valley Activity Centre and expects to announce a date for this in coming weeks.
Council has advised permanent stallholders of the gradual reopening and COVID-Safe measures in place.
Bookings are open at geelongaustralia.com.au/belmontmarket and permanent stallholders will have priority.
