City night market needs an owner

A night market in Hong Kong. Photo / Hong Kong Tourism

Auckland City Council is looking for someone to own and run a new night market in the city.

The council yesterday put an advertisement in the Herald calling for expressions of interest in running a newly proposed CBD night market.

Similar to those seen in Melbourne, Hong Kong and Vancouver, the market would offer food and crafts, beverage stalls, entertainment, street activity (such as buskers) and products such as clothing and jewellery.

It would be owned and operated by the private sector.

Arts, culture and recreation committee chairman Greg Moyle says the idea behind the night market is to draw more tourists - as well as local residents - into the city centre.

"It will help revitalise the inner city," he said.

"Rather than a place for [just] business, it then becomes a place for living and entertaining."

The idea that the proposed night market could jeopardise existing ratepaying businesses was something that the council had taken into account.

But Mr Moyle stressed that the market - which would run after normal business hours - would only complement existing businesses such as restaurants and movie theatres.

Auckland Mayor John Banks was also wary of the impact the market could potentially have on existing city businesses, but said the idea was a good one.

"We want to bring some vibrancy to the CBD. But as long as it's not disturbing existing ratepaying businesses, residents that live in the city ... then it's certainly something worth looking at," Mr Banks said.

Possible sites for the night market had originally included places such as Queen St and High St.

But the proposed sites for the market now include Darby St, Lorne St, Elliot St and Fort St.

Heart of the City chief executive Alex Swney said the market would directly cater to the large group of people currently not being targeted - city workers going home.

"Think about all the workers in Auckland City, about 80,000, going home. You could buy an organic wine on the way home," he said.

"It's probably a good offering for the 73,000 students going in and out of the city every day. It's a wonderful tourist offering, but it's great for locals too."

Mr Swney said night markets in various cities around the world had fast become tourist hot spots.

He said it was only fitting to provide a uniquely Kiwi night market for tourists.

"It's broadening the retail experience," Mr Swney said.

The deadline for anyone interested in being a part of the night market is February 25, after which the council will work through the review process.