Arts Centre Sunday Market to live on at Southgate from July

In what has been described as a “huge coup” for Southbankers and market-lovers alike, the much-loved Arts Centre Sunday Market will remain in the suburb at its new home at Southgate from Sunday, July 7.

Originally slated for permanent closure on June 30 due to Arts Precinct Transformation construction, the Sunday Market, which has been a fixture of Melbourne life for more than two decades, will find a new backdrop at Southgate shopping centre, across three levels and 34 potential stalls.

Rob Ewing, head of asset management at ESR Australia, told Southbank News that Southgate was “delighted to provide the space for people of all ages to continue this legacy” and find the “right solutions to support Australian businesses, big or small.”

“For over 20 years, the Sunday Market has been a place for the community to come together and support small local businesses,” Mr Ewing said.

“Combining the artisanal charms of the Sunday Market with Southgate’s selection of much-loved cafes, restaurants and retailers means locals can make a day of enjoying everything the area now offers.”

As the gateway to Melbourne’s art precinct, it’s fitting for the Sunday Market to relocate to Southgate.

“This new location means the Sunday Market traders will be part of a vibrant ecosystem, situating them perfectly to service customers, old and new.”

Rather than providing competition to existing Southgate traders, Mr Ewing expects the Sunday Market to add to the centre’s already established reputation for quality and help drive visitation.

Long-standing Sunday Market trader Jackie Sanders from Crafty Jack welcomed the move, which she expects will bring a new “buzz to the area.”

“As a long-term trader at the iconic Sunday Market, I’ve developed excellent relationships with customers both local and visiting from overseas,” Ms Sanders said. “Relocating to Southgate allows me to continue my interaction with my customers and further develop my designs.”

“Southgate has offered us a new and exciting opportunity and a very welcome lifeline to continue trading in a location close to our original area.”

Southgate’s Sunday Market will operate entirely under cover, with the potential for nine ground-level, 12 mid-level and 13 upper-level stalls.

According to jeweller and Sunday Market stalwart, James Estergard, artisanal markets are crucial in supporting small businesses and makers of fine and bespoke products.   

“The market has been my established business location for 22 years in a well-known artisan market environment where both local and non-local clients can find me,” he said.

“I’m really pleased that Southgate has come on board to host the Sunday Market and look forward to seeing the relationship between large retailers and artisan market traders evolve.”

“As an artisan, I enjoy my job but it also pays the bills. The ability to sell the product of my imagination and artisan skills is very important to me. I am grateful for the opportunity to move the market into a new environment.” •