What next for Aotea Square Markets?
The axing of Aotea Square market has caused a rift between city councillors as they prepare for the square’s $21 million revamp.
The market will be forced to close during the two-year redevelopment, and the head of the square’s redevelopment committee, Greg Moyle, says there will be no place for a market in the new square.
“We have Victoria Market, the farmers market at Britomart, the sea food market, how many markets do you want?” Moyle asks.
He also rules out helping stall owners relocate, putting him at odds with other council members.
Graham Easte, councillor for the Western Bays Ward, says the committee has given no moral support to stall holders.
“Councillor Moyle’s argument confuses the matter; council have their agenda, but are forgetting about the people down there.
“It’s all a bit lazy and naughty of them,” says Easte.
The revamp is part of a much needed $80 million upgrade that will also fix the Civic car park roof – part of wider preparations for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Ernesto Ovalle, who runs the jewellery stall Oro Negro (Black Gold), says come December stallholders at Aotea Square’s weekend market will have to move on.
A five-year veteran of the markets, Ovalle says: “Devastated is a good word to use for my situation.
“I don’t know where I’ll head to. There are no clear plans on relocation – an uncertain future is what we have,” he says.
Every world-class city needs a vibrant marketplace as its heart, to act as the pride of the city’s cultural and social life, says Ovalle.
The market will be forced to close during the two-year redevelopment, and the head of the square’s redevelopment committee, Greg Moyle, says there will be no place for a market in the new square.
“We have Victoria Market, the farmers market at Britomart, the sea food market, how many markets do you want?” Moyle asks.
He also rules out helping stall owners relocate, putting him at odds with other council members.
Graham Easte, councillor for the Western Bays Ward, says the committee has given no moral support to stall holders.
“Councillor Moyle’s argument confuses the matter; council have their agenda, but are forgetting about the people down there.
“It’s all a bit lazy and naughty of them,” says Easte.
The revamp is part of a much needed $80 million upgrade that will also fix the Civic car park roof – part of wider preparations for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Ernesto Ovalle, who runs the jewellery stall Oro Negro (Black Gold), says come December stallholders at Aotea Square’s weekend market will have to move on.
A five-year veteran of the markets, Ovalle says: “Devastated is a good word to use for my situation.
“I don’t know where I’ll head to. There are no clear plans on relocation – an uncertain future is what we have,” he says.
Every world-class city needs a vibrant marketplace as its heart, to act as the pride of the city’s cultural and social life, says Ovalle.
Fashion stall holder Hannah Morgan is upset about how the market’s end has been handled.
She says council plans have failed to take into account the artists whose stalls and livelihoods will fold when the redevelopment starts.
“I understand why they are finding it hard to relocate. There is not a big enough space in town, apart from Aotea Square, which has power and toilets close by.”
Morgan says it’s a shame the revamp will be too high-brow for market stalls.
Moyle, chairman of the Auckland City arts and recreation committee, says he will let market forces decide if the public wants the market relocated.
“We will let the market decide the market, how’s that for you?
“People don’t come to Auckland for the market, and we already have Victoria Market,” says Moyle.
He says it’s unlikely there will be room for a market once redevelopment has been completed in two years’ time, and the problem of relocation lies with the stall holders because they are private businesses.
“They are independent businesses, and we are not here to help independent business,” he says.
Graham Easte says Moyle is missing the point and that [Moyle] has no time for stall holders.
“I think the market is an asset to the city, and he only sees it as a business arrangement.”
“No serious money has ever been invested in the market, and by ignoring the market issue the council is not serving the interests of Auckland,” says Easte.
The committee is avoiding the issue by saying: “If ‘Aotea Square Market’ is under construction for two years, then that specific market cannot exist,” says Easte.
Aotea Square market is a place for entry-level and specialist businesses, such as contemporary jewellery, which could not survive in a Westfield-type environment, says Easte.
“It’s a place of creativity, expression, and young people trying their hand.”
The high risk involved in start-up businesses makes it rational for creative enterprises to test the waters before jumping in.
Moyle says the council is planning to hold major events in the square, “for the Rugby World Cup and for events such as the lantern festival, so we can take it off the muddy Albert Park.
“We are not spending $21 million to house stalls there; we want major events to use the square,” says Moyle.
Councillor Paul Goldsmith confirmed the council rift: “He [Easte] is in the opposition, that’s how the council works.
“Of course I have an opinion on the markets, but when you want to administer progress, like Moyle is trying to do, then we [the council] need to speak as one,” says Goldsmith.
Easte says seven councillors are working for relocation, and 14 others are indifferent or hostile to the proposal.
A group of 10 stallholders is attempting to liaise with the council and the Edge Entertainment Centre, which manages the weekend stalls on behalf of the council.
Under pressure, Moyle suggested the market could be held at the AUT University campus.
Easte says the response from the committee so far is to close the market down, end of story.
“Let’s at least explore the options. And let the city decide on the market.”
Te Waha Nui: http://www.tewahanui.info/wordpress2/?p=641
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