Farmers market takes up its new residence

wta040114abmarket12.jpg Enjoying the Farmers Market at the Solway showgrounds in Masterton. Bees Blessing cordials. WMM 06Jan14 -

The Wairarapa Farmers Market shifts into its new home this weekend.

The market, previously based at Solway Showgrounds, will take up residence on Masterton's Queen St on Saturday morning, setting up in the car park of Horseshoe Bar and Restaurant.

The market's committee announced it would be relocating at the beginning of this year following concerns about declining foot traffic at Solway and made its move to Queen St public in June.

The move was supported by Trust House, which part-owns the Horseshoe carpark.

With the market and Trust House's The Farriers running alongside each other, chief executive Allan Pollard said there should be plenty to attract members of the public on a Saturday morning.

"We're hoping to make Masterton a food and beverage destination," said Mr Pollard.

"Having both the market and The Farriers open will make Saturday mornings an exciting time.

"We look forward to Masterton supporting the market."

Mr Pollard said Trust House has also started work on a pavilion-like structure to keep the market stalls protected from weather extremes.

"Hopefully, the new location will give the market a higher profile," said Mr Pollard.

The market will run from 8.30am to 12.30pm every Saturday morning, beginning this weekend.