New farmers market proposed for Caloundra South, Sunshine Coast next year

Organisers of popular Sunshine Coast and Noosa farmers markets want to bring weekly events to a new location, set to feature an entertainment lawn and bespoke artwork.

Shoppers at Noosa Farmers Market. Photo Lachie Millard

A new farmers market in a growing suburb on the Sunshine Coast has been proposed to open in 2023, flaunting 80 stalls, bespoke artwork and an “entertainment lawn”.

A development application was submitted to Economic Development Queensland in December to open a farmers market on the corner of Central Ave and Whiteley Ave, Bells Creek by early-to-mid year.

Evolve Planning proposed the project, Aura Farmers Market, on behalf of applicant Stockland Development Pty Ltd.

The proposal said the weekly farmers market would open on Saturdays from 6am to midday, and be handled by the operators of Noosa Farmers Market and Kawana Waters Farmers Market.

The application said the proposed, 3862sq m market would include 80 stalls, an “entertainment lawn”, and garden beds, including shade trees, around most of the property’s boundaries.

The layout for the proposed new farmers market in Caloundra South. Picture: supplied

The application said the proposal would also include four motorbike parks, 40 bicycle parks, a 150-vehicle gravel car park, which excluded parking behind each stall for the stall holders to help them load and unload goods.

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The Caloundra South market would have a permanent toilet block, bin storage, and shipping containers, containing “bespoke” artwork, store chairs, tables, and tents, among other equipment.

The application said the upcoming market’s location was picked because the site had easy access, good visibility, ample parking and no residents nearby.

An aerial view of the location for the proposed new farmers market in Caloundra South. Picture: supplied

The application noted that customers could take advantage of 61 car park spaces on the road, and 92 spaces available at nearby Aura Vision Centre and Display Village.

The operators of the farmers maker would look to take on a five-year lease for the site with an option to extend if suitable.