Night market plan for Auckland CBD

Night markets like those in Hong Kong shown here, are big tourist attractions in many cities. Photo / Hong Kong Tourism

A new night market for Auckland's central business district is being proposed by the Auckland City Council and a business group says it has no doubt there'll be interest in setting one up.

The private sector is being asked to submit expressions of interest to the council, with the idea of setting up some kind of night market by September next year.

There's no decision from council about the exact location, but new "shared spaces" being introduced along the Fort St, Elliot and Darby Sts and Lorne St updgrades are touted as possibilities.

The market is part of plans to promote a "vibrant CBD" during the 2011 Rugby World Cup. It has the support of the Heart of the City group, which represents inner city businesses.

Greg Moyle, chair of the council's Arts, Culture and Recreation committee said the council was letting the private sector know that it was keen on a night market and would play "a facilitation role" in setting it up, with support and advice around consents, licenses, traffic and noise management.

Any market would be owned and operated by the private sector, who would propose details like trading hours.

Moyle said it was important that inner city businesses and residents were happy with any night market plan.

"I'm sure once established, the markets would be a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike,"

The night market plan has been backed by the council's Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee, as well as its CBD Board.

Council says there's no particular type of business or individual being targeted to set up a night market.

"It's a great idea, it could vitalise the area and bring people in, but we have to be sure it doesn't conflict with existing businesses and we need to involve people like the Heart of the City," said Moyle.

Alex Swney, Heart of the City chief executive, said previous attempts at setting up markets had run into difficulties when the council had not wanted to lose parking revenue.

There was some risk of markets taking business away from existing retailers, but a night market would operate outside the normal business hours.

"In some cases they are offering similar products but with a twist. But it is at a different time. The whole idea is to grow the market. So if we can create new opportunities to come into town - experience the city and then return and return and return," said Swney.

"We've seen the growth of farmers markets, of the market trading environment - it's very popular."

"From the inquiries we've had we have got no doubt at all that there'll be an abundant interest in this. We welcome it, it's another string in the bow."

"With the greatest respect to suburban environments that do a great job, and malls - if you are going to provide a truely international experience, you need to be offering a wider, longer entertainment prospect," said Swney.


-NZ HERALD STAFF