New Markets at Eumundi
Tue 26 September 2006
Gemma Colvin, Communication
The world famous Eumundi Markets is one of the Sunshine Coasts’ leading tourist attractions.
Located in the middle of the historic town of Eumundi, the market stalls are shaded by towering heritage listed fig trees, drawing thousands of visitors every Wednesday and Saturday, the Maroochy Tourism website reports.
Established in 1979, the Eumundi Markets policy: “Make it, bake it, design it, sew it or grow it” ensures that only the best items are selected to sell at the markets, the Eumundi Markets website says.
The markets sell a variety of goods including fresh local produce, handmade clothing, jewellery, home wares, local photography, food and drinks, face painting, music and original art works by local artists.
The site also caters for other popular events such as the Eumundi Food Festival, a celebration of local food and produce and an official part of the 'Noosa long weekend' cultural event, and World Environment Day, the largest annual environmental festival held around the world.
There are now four separately owned market sites within Eumundi markets. These include the ‘Original Eumundi Markets’, the ‘Parkside Markets’, the 'Eumundi Pavilion Markets’ and the new ‘Eumundi Square’ business incubator.
Together, these markets converge to create one of Queensland’s largest outdoor markets.
The new Eumundi Square business incubator has added a new dimension to shopping for both locals and visitors.
Louis Formosa owns the Eumundi General Store and the ‘Parkside Markets’ located directly behind the store. Mr Formosa is also one of the owners of the newest editions to the Eumundi markets, the ‘Eumundi Square’ business incubator.
Located on Albert Street next to the police station, the precinct offers a permanent home for the 90 retail operators, including art and crafts, home wares and clothing. The concept is that together the boutique operators make a core business centre, while maintaining their own individual image.
“It gives those who want to go a step up from a market stall the chance to find their feet and it gives the public a very vibrant retail precinct to complement other shopping experiences” Mr Formosa says.
Mr Formosa says that the operators are required to produce some part of their end product on-site, and are able to work at the site seven days a week. However, the centre is only open to the public every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Mr Formosa employed the help of Dr Ian Houghton, a past advisor to the Federal Economic Planning Advisory Commission related to activities in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, to conduct the research and feasibility studies that led to the Eumundi Square concept.
Dr Houghton’s feasibility study resulted in a number of key points for the concept of Eumundi square, including that it can be a viable and necessary next step venture for Eumundi and it would become part of the overall Eumundi market town experience, the local Eumundi Green magazine reported.
The next step involved obtaining planning permission from Maroochy Council to construct the new precinct, which consisted of a number of professional studies, including land suitability, traffic flows and structural standards, Eumundi Green said.
However, within six years of the original application being submitted to council the new Eumundi Square business precinct is thriving.
Although Mr Formosa says it is too early to judge the success of his new venture, he does say that he has received positive feedback about Eumundi Square.
The Eumundi Square business incubator is open every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 7am - 1:30pm.
Image(s) designed by Gemma Colvin