Geelong council is moving forward with plans to inspire more activity in the centre of town, this week beginning the process of establishing a weekly market in Little Malop Street.
At its June meeting the council announced a raft of funding inclusions to the budget following community consultation, with $100,000 included for a “new funding initiative for a Central Geelong market”.
This week the City put out the call for potential operators of a new weekly market in Little Malop Street Central, releasing a Request for Proposal on its website.
The City is hoping to hear from “qualified and experienced market operators to establish, program, and manage” a weekend market, according to a City statement.
The idea for the market was put forth to the business community in March at the City’s Central Geelong Revitalisation Forum, which brought together many of Geelong’s key players and decision-makers.
Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj, who has promoted the idea of a weekly market in central Geelong since taking office last November, said the new market would boost trade and activity in the CBD.
“I have spoken considerably about the need for a Salamanca-style market in central Geelong, and I’m pleased that we’re moving towards getting it up and running by spring,” Mayor Kontelj said.
“This market will work towards transforming Little Malop Central to be a vibrant and welcoming public space that will bring people back to central Geelong.”
The City’s vision for the market would see locally-made goods and produce reflect “creativity, sustainability and the city’s status as a UNESCO City of Design”.
“This will be a big win for local designers, makers, artists, local musicians, and creative entrepreneurs, but it also supports the community during a cost-of-living crisis; people will be able purchase products directly from local suppliers,” Mayor Kontelj said.
“With the Request for Proposal out now, I encourage anyone interested in operating this market to submit a proposal.
“I look forward to hearing the announcement of the successful applicant and seeing everyone working together for an improved central Geelong.”
The City encouraged potential operators to visit geelong.link/tenders to submit a proposal before 2pm, July 25.
