As the private operator decided to cease operations, the Farmers Market on Manning has temporarily been saved, with DevelopmentWA stepping in to secure its continuation.
The markets have only recently been moved from George Burnett Park in Manning to Hedley Park in Bentley in October in an effort to bring vibrancy and foot traffic to the area as part of the master plan for the Bentley Redevelopment Project.
Since DevelopmentWA, the state government agency responsible for land development in Western Australia, intervened, the markets have continued to operate without disruption. However, they will be temporarily closed after Christmas for one Saturday, December 28, and will reopen on Saturday, January 4.
DevelopmentWA CEO Dean Mudford said the organisation has engaged with Marketlife to manage the markets on an interim basis and is committed to ensuring the Manning Road Farmers Market continues to thrive.
“This arrangement will enable the market to continue running smoothly while we plan for its future,” Mudford said.
“DevelopmentWA recognises the importance of the markets as a key community asset in the area for many years, which is why it is keen to host it on the new Bentley redevelopment site for an interim period while the Bentley project continues to progress.”
“Our immediate focus is on maintaining the market’s operations and ensuring it continues to be a welcoming and vibrant event for stallholders and visitors alike.”
The Farmers Market on Manning’s Facebook page has seemingly been deleted; however, a new page has been created under the new name of Manning Road Farmers Market.
As DevelopmentWA looks to secure a long-term operator, the market’s future still remains uncertain; however, Canning Mayor Patrick Hall hopes to see the market continue.
“The City acknowledges that the ‘Farmers Market on Manning’ is an important part of the community and supports the operation of the markets in Bentley,” Hall said.
“While the City does not currently have any plans to intervene or start a similar style of market in the area, we have been in consultation with DevelopmentWA regarding the ongoing operation of the markets.”
The markets operate at Hedley Park, located within the Bentley Redevelopment Area, every Saturday from 7:15 am to 12:15 pm.
