Loving our Local Market
Leaving Sydney over 7 years ago to live in Melbourne certainly was a big decision, but we like an adventure, so a few sleepless nights were had before informing family members. And yes, leaving our Sydney based families & friends behind was a significant hurdle, but they (and us) handled the decision very well. Some were heard to say - "Great, we can visit Melbourne now, the accommodation is sorted!"
We also went from living in the suburbs to city life and from a house to an apartment, all big changes for us. Jenny had the additional challenge of setting up a new workplace network, having moved from Woolworths to Coles, a cultural change that was challenging. Even our grocery shopping habits changed from Woolies to Coles, something I didn't really recover from until Jen left Coles. I guess there is always something comforting about your long standing grocery store, usually loyalties initially based simply on the location and ease of access. But moving to another "brand" also meant a new layout to learn and a reduced range (Coles were in recovery mode so range reduction was a first step), unsettling for mainly me.
We knew that Melbourne was the food and coffee capital of Australia (maybe the world!) and we were also aware of Melbourne's famous markets and were keen to try them out. We also knew of three major markets, Queen Victoria (QV), Prahran & South Melbourne. The largest is Queen Victoria and was always a stop on my city visitor tours, largely because it was in my free (now not) hop-on hop-off bus route, which, for me, started at the Arts Centre, with 1st stop at the MCG (tour of it), back on again and onto Brunetti's in Carlton (morning tea or lunch), then the QV Markets. For most of my visitors, the markets were a real eye opener, I think mainly it was the fact that it was so European, and the range of produce so varied and so fresh. You could gain weight just walking and looking at it all.
So, our first couple of years in Melbourne was basically using QV markets as a place to take visitors, only really shopping on the odd occasion for impressing our visitors with special meal treats. Of course Queen Victoria is located in the northern end of the CBD and not really our local. My switch back to Woolies was what really triggered our embracing South Melbourne markets, as it is located basically opposite.
It has now become just a regular place to shop, mainly seafood, poulty and meat, but also pasta and sauces (all so fresh). Of course, the place has so many top pastry shops that there is always time for a special treat!
Of course a breakfast at Simply Spanish on a Saturday is a must too, those baked eggs, beans and chorizo really starts your week-end off on the right foot!
In the warmer months, Thursday nights become the Night Food Markets, with mobile eateries joining the established eateries. There is something for all tastes here.
South Melbourne Market History
The South Melbourne Market was established in 1867 on a Crown Grant to the then Borough of Emerald Hill for use as a general market. This makes it the oldest continuing Market in Melbourne at 150 years old.
In 1856 a petition from local householders was sent to Emerald Hill Council, highlighting the need for a market. Yet, it wasn’t until 1867 that the South Melbourne Market was officially opened to the public on a site of 10 acres covered the area bounded by Coventry, Cecil and York Streets and the St Kilda Railway line in South Melbourne. It was initially leased under contract, however, by 1904 the South Melbourne Council had taken over control of the collection of Market dues.
From its establishment, the Market underwent regular improvement and expansion in order to accommodate the growing needs of the traders and the community, as well as the changing regulations for cleanliness and sanitation. The first sheds were erected in 1866, a weighbridge of five and a half tons was purchased in 1872, and by 1924 electric lighting was installed throughout.
Throughout its history, the Market has been the site of a number of disasters, the worst being the June 1981 fire which destroyed the original A and B sheds in Coventry Street. Earlier that year, 17th January, two gelignite bombs exploded in the market and a nearby hotel which destroyed two market stalls – a dress shop and a takeaway food stall. Two other bombs failed to explode after ignition.
The twentieth century saw the gradual modernisation of the Market with the changing demand and taste for specific produce, as well as further improvement and remodelling. In 1972 a new car park was constructed over the top of the Market and a Food Hall was added in 1991 replacing part of the original market structure. In 2012, a new multifaceted roof was added to the Rooftop Carpark which acts to provide shelter for shoppers, capture rain water, generate electricity from solar and regulate the temperature inside the Market.
Today, the South Melbourne Market continues to thrive in our local community. Moving into the future, striving to further reduce its environmental footprint and creating a sustainable and inclusive market experience for years to come.
Finding the Market
To make it easy locating it, I have included a google map below. But get yourself a MYKI card and catch the 96 tram, it has its own station, how easy is that. So, make sure you check it out when you vist next year!
South Melbourne Markets
I hope you enjoyed this insight into our local market and that you just want to experience it for yourself.
Cheers Peter