Sunday market for stadium

David Humphrey
David Humphrey
First came Elton John, and cowboys will soon move in, but the latest announcement concerning the Forsyth Barr Stadium has a more local flavour.

The Rotary Club of Dunedin Central has just signed an agreement with Dunedin Venues Management Ltd to hold a Sunday market at the stadium.

Club member David Humphrey described it as a "serendipitous market - that's where you find unexpected things in unexpected places".

More than 100 stalls would pack into the Otago Daily Times stand end of the stadium, selling "everything that is saleable".

The idea came to him when the stadium was first mooted, and, inspired by the "important social event" that was the Riccarton Market in Christchurch, Mr Humphrey pushed on with plans.

DVML proved "very co-operative" and the agreement would be "win-win" for both organisations as it would run on a share basis.

The club would also charge for use of the carpark, with proceeds going towards market running costs.

It was in the process of employing a manager, but expected the market to start in early spring.

Mr Humphrey was quick to point out the market would not be "in competition with, but complementary to, the Otago Farmers Market".

"It's a lot different. I know there are a lot of artists down the peninsula and people on the plain who would like to be part of a market."

DVML commercial director Guy Hedderwick was enthusiastic about the plans and hoped "it really goes off well".

"I think it's great for the community, great for the stadium and great for the people that will benefit from it," he said.

It would also "showcase" the multipurpose nature of the facility "to a lot of people".

- ellie.constantine@odt.co.nz

 

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