Plan to move markets to Port Adelaide may boost tourism, Mayor says
Firm plans are being finalised to move a popular weekend fruit and vegetable market from the isolated North Arm area of Gillman into the heart of Port Adelaide.
The proposal, long under discussion, might soon be put to the South Australian Government by Port Adelaide-Enfield Council.
Mayor Gary Johanson told 891 ABC Adelaide he had been looking at potential trading sites with organisers of the current open-air market.
"I got them down a few weeks ago, drove two of the organisers around the Port. We looked at a number of sites," he said.
"The anticipation of what they believe they can do at the Port is really, really exciting."
Mr Johanson said he would ensure a "concrete" plan was ready before he arranged a meeting with state Tourism Minister Leon Bignell.
"I've requested from the organisers of the market a written letter, confirmation that they are willing and interested to move into the heart of the port," he said.
"Once I've got that I'll arrange to meet with the minister and from there I see it as being all go."
Market already a drawcard, Mayor says
Many current Gillman market customers drove from well beyond the local area to use it, the Mayor said.
Mr Johanson said the open-air market, which had operated for decades, was in a secluded industrial area and could benefit from being more centrally located, also bringing benefits for Port Adelaide's cafes and other traders.
"What we need to do is bring those 10,000 people [weekly market users] and traders to the heart of the Port every Sunday and from that the market will grow," he said.
The Mayor said there was potential to include a wharf fish market as part of a relocated operation, allowing fish sales across the entire week.
Mr Johanson said Port Adelaide needed to recognise its vast tourism potential, and a recently established backpackers hostel had brought new visitors.
"Now, every day of the week you can walk around the Port and see a lot of young Europeans with cameras and looking at the old buildings," he said.
"What the young European people in particular see is these wonderful old buildings, they actually love the character of them even if they're a bit derelict because it sort of reminds them of home."
