Sammy Powers eager for Eagle Farm, BRC willing to review

FOODIES mourning the imminent closure of one of Brisbane’s biggest markets have been given a glimmer of hope, with a possible saviour waiting in the wings.

Nicole Davies at the Eagle Farm markets, in 2016.

FOODIES mourning the imminent closure of Eagle Farm Markets take heart — there could be a saviour in the wings.

Jan Powers Farmers Markets operator Sammy Powers said she would “love” to run one of her popular gourmet enterprises there. And now Eagle Farm Racecourse operator Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) have opened a window of hope.

Last week, BRC announced that the Sunday open-air market held at their Eagle Farm Racecourse site would cease to operate after October 28, due to falling profits.

Sammy Power, models for camera Picture: Ric Frearson

The eight-year-old joint venture between Brisbane Markets Limited (BML), which operates Brisbane Markets at Rocklea, and BRC had been moved to Doomben Racecourse and back again to make room for the Eagle Farm site’s redevelopment.

A spokesman told City North News that at present “BRC is focused on the final Sundays of the Eagle Farm Markets”.

“We are winding these up with the operators after a long partnership,” he said. “Once we have completed the markets in their current form, the BRC would review any comprehensive and sustainable plans from operators who wished to stage markets at the course.”

News of Eagle Farm Markets closure prompted an immediate public outcry, with market fans turning to traditional and social media to vent their disappointment, and locals running polls to work out where the market could move to and who could run it.

Ms Powers said she’s keen.

She said it would be a fitting tribute to her mum and company founder Jan, who has lived in the area for 80 years.

“Markets are more popular than they’ve ever been and are now a part of the fabric of the discerning foodies life,” she said.

“I believe Eagle Farm (markets) shut due to confusion over the move (back and forth from Doomben) and parking issues.”

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She said she would like to see the markets stay at the racecourse, and discouraged suggestions to close off Racecourse Rd on Sundays to accommodate the market, as was the case at Jan Powers Farmers Markets at Blackwood St, Mitchelton. In response to suggestions that the markets could move to a riverside site, she said the racecourse’s proximity to other markets was not a concern.

“I think where it is (at Eagle Farm Racecourse) is perfect if they can sort the parking,” she said.

“The locals would go berserk if we shut Racecourse Rd and the market would be too scattered.

“Eat Street does a great job at Hamilton and I would never encroach on someone I respect, like (operator) Peter Hackworth’s territory.

“There’s enough room for everyone, we don’t need to sit on each other’s laps.

“Without integrity, we are ruining the market culture.”

She said markets could be a windfall for existing local business.

“When we started Mitchelton, very few of the shops opened on Sunday and now they all do,” she said. “How can something bringing thousands of new shoppers to the area be a negative? You just have to be smart and use it to your advantage.”

She said the markets could include an array of gourmet food, and a few extra drawcards.

“High quality stalls, farm fresh food, interesting cakes, breads, cheeses, sauces, drinks, coffee, meats, seafood, cheeses, almonds … an array of hot foods from around the world, slow cooked higher end meals to take home and vegetarian and vegan products,” she said.

Sammy Powers at the Brisbane City Jan Powers Farmers Markets. Picture: Ric Frearson

“I would also include high quality artisan products, clothing, shoes, cards, art and music.”

In a statement about the closure, BRC chairman Neville Bell said there had been a series of “challenges that had confronted the Eagle Farm Markets in recent times”.

“Several other markets had opened within our catchment in recent years and we had to temporarily move the markets to Doomben while Ascot House was being constructed,” he said.

“In the last financial year, 88,000 customers visited our Markets — a decrease of 23.5 per cent on 2016-17.

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“This followed on from a decline in the previous year.

“As a result … the final Markets will be held on Sunday, October 28.

“This decision was not easy however we are mindful that our responsibility as a Club is to ensure our growing non-racing ventures are operated in a sustainable manner.”

In his statement last week, Mr Bell thanked “the many loyal customers and clients of the Eagle Farm Markets”.

“At their peak, the Markets attracted about 200,000 people each year. They were a vibrant gathering bringing together some excellent producers and loyal customers. We are grateful for their contributions,” he said.

Eagle Farm Racecourse is undergoing a major development program. Picture: AAP image, John Gass

“In some ways, the Eagle Farm Markets were an early venture for the BRC into the non-racing revenue space. We are proud of what the Markets achieved for our Club. While racing remains at the core of the BRC, our non-racing revenue continues to grow through the likes of the Ascot Green joint venture with Mirvac, the aged care and retirement development with Lendlease and the Racecourse Village retail precinct.”

In response to questions by City North News about BRC’s new shopping centre Racecourse Village opening and the impact that had on the markets, a spokesman said: “We have no evidence that the opening of Racecourse Village impacted on the markets. As written in our annual report, the markets had endured another decline in patronage in the last financial year, before Racecourse Village was open.”