Glendale is set to be home to Lake Macquarie’s largest shade structure, offering undercover parking for 160 vehicles, and a weather-proof space for regular Farmers and Artisan Markets.
The $4 million, 4,300 square-metre structure will be the only covered space of its kind in the region.
Development approval for its build was received by its custodian Stockdale Glendale this week.
Centre manager Angela Vogt said the new shade structure would provide customers with an improved shopping experience.
“We know this large shade structure will improve the shopping experience for our customers, and demonstrates that we’re listening and taking action to improve the centre in ways that our customers have indicated are most important to them,” she said.
NSW Farmers Markets operator Kevin Eade agreed.
“Featuring local farmers, boutique wine producers, food artisans with gourmet delicacies, meat, fresh breads and more, the Farmers and Artisan Markets at Stockland Glendale will be focused on supporting our rural communities including local farmers, and providing an opportunity, on a smaller scale, for artists and other bespoke creators to showcase their work and attract new customers.”
Mr Eade has been operating markets since 1999, trialling his first event at the Historical River Port of Morpeth.
“When you buy direct and local, you’re helping to incubate local growers and businesses which is an incredible, sustainable model that benefits everyone,” he said.
Together with NSW Farmers Markets director Jodie Lee, Mr Eade has been successfully operating the Lake Macquarie City Farmers Market at Speers Point Park for the past nine years.
The regular trading market offers fresh homegrown produce and gourmet foods from local farmers and producers.
For Grandma Bees market stall owner Barbara Elkins the new space means a new home to sell locally sourced and produced seasonal food options.
“With Grandma Bees, I’m trying to build a very local, seasonal food culture, where we make the best use of whatever we have available at that time of year,” she said.
“We’re really looking forward to meeting new people and having them fall in love with all our great products.”
The Farmers and Artisan Markets will initially comprise approximately 60 market stalls, and will run every Saturday in the first year of operation.
In year two, the markets will run every Wednesday and Saturday, with the capacity to grow to 150 stalls.
Ms Vogt said the markets would offer local small businesses a chance to trade year-round.
“The Farmers and Artisan Markets will complement our existing retail mix and offer customers a chance to support local small businesses and purchase more homemade goods that are not available in-centre.
“Local growers and producers have the opportunity to reach a new mix of customers and the ability to sell their products face-to-face – rain or shine.
“We also anticipate that the markets will benefit our current retailers by attracting new customers to the centre who may want to wander inside and explore.”
Construction of the shade structure is expected to start before the end of 2021, and be completed before Easter in April 2022.
Construction will pause from November 2021 to January 2022 for the peak Christmas trade period.
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