The conditions for operation will be handed down from Council, which include no restrictions on the number of market stalls but a condition on space. The approval is for two years and Newtown Neighbourhood Centre (NNC) will continue to monitor operations each Saturday.
Councillor Sylvie Ellsmore said: “It was a surprise to see how important the markets were and I believe it is a great use of community space. The markets are vibrant, scruffy and a bit activist but that’s the community of Newtown we love.”
Councillors who had previously voted against the DA for the market in August changed their views on the night. One of those was Councillor Mark Gardiner who said: “What we have here is an amended and more persuasive application than the last which I believe was poorly constructed.”
Community support was shown at the meeting with the gallery filled with members of the public and representatives of Newtown Neighbourhood Centre holding signs.
Andrew Hicks from The Five Cafes Pantry spoke on the night, representing the stall operators of the market. “My business has grown due to the loyal customer base I have developed from the markets. I’m happy to pay the fee because I know my fees allow people of NNC to do the community work they do, such as their work in boarding houses.”
Opposition to the market was voiced on the night by one public speaker in relation to the traffic obscuring entrances and exits of the cornering building, the Hub. However, as the mayor, Councillor Jo Haylen, pointed out, no DA for redevelopment of the Hub has been received so this argument has no grounds.
Councillors also acknowledged the survey conducted by NNC, which interviewed 98 businesses located in King Street, Enmore Road and Australia Street. The survey showed 87 per cent support the market and 77 per cent believe the market supports their local businesses.
Councillor Ellsmore added that the DA meets all fire and evacuation processes. “It’s great stuff to report that fire issues have been dealt with, and there is support from the local police who believe the markets are a legitimate use of space and actually make the square safer.”
Newtown Neighbourhood Centre CEO, Lisa Burns, said: “We support the community and we believe the community has sent a clear and loud message that they want the markets to stay.”
The rent received from the market will continue to be put back into the community programs run by NNC.
