Backing for new farmers market site
The Nelson Farmers Market’s new central city site has got the thumbs up from customers and sellers.
The market’s first appearance in Kirby Lane, between Bridge St and New St, on Wednesday saw a throng of market-goers enjoying a sunny lunch-time stroll through the stalls.
Founder and owner of Nelson’s Bridge Street Collective, Galen King, secured the lane as the market’s new home after a challenging time with the Nelson City Council trying to fill the empty space beside The Kitchen.
King, who’s currently in New York, said he was ‘‘thrilled’’ with the outcome.
It has been almost a year since the food and product market moved to the Maitai River boulevard after being forced to leave its site of eight years at Morrison Square.
But the Maitai location lost customers and stallholders due to its distance from the CBD and exposure to the elements.
Market manager Miriam Clark said the Kirby Lane location was ‘‘very different’’ from the previous site.
‘‘The Maitai was a gorgeous spot but it wasn’t possible for people to come during their lunch time, they didn’t have enough time.’’
She said the laneway was very accessible, ‘‘which is what a midweek market needs to be’’.
News of the market move probably hadn’t reached everyone yet, she said.
‘‘It was quite a tight turn around when we announced us being here so . . . word probably hasn’t got out fully. Hopefully in the following weeks it will get even busier.’’
Frut4U Lowes Orchard stallholder Andrew Lowe said the CBD location was busier than the former spot.
‘‘It’s certainly a good start, I’d imagine we’ll just keep building from here.’’
Bacon Station stallholder Sebina Bastion said it was a ‘‘real wicked’’ inner city market.
‘‘It feels like I’m in Sydney. There’s a really good vibe.’’
The market-goers echoed the feelings of the stallholders.
Market patron Neville Laverack said he liked the old market place because it was close to his work but it was ‘‘quite spread out’’.
‘‘Here, there’s maybe a bit more atmosphere and a few more people. It’s nice to see this bit of land getting used as well.’’