Ballina Farmers Market hopes to expand in stall size

A new development could see a popular weekly market double its stallholders but the proposal has been met with a mixed reaction from some.

The Ballina Farmers Market could double their stallholders if a new development is given the green light.

The development proposal, submitted on behalf on Ballina Shire Council, would see the weekly market’s current 30 stalls boosted to approximately 62 stalls.

A stall breakdown shows 44 market stalls, 10 food stalls, four community stalls, two covered seating areas, one music stall and one manager’s stall.

The expansion would increase the size of the Commemoration Park market by approximately 20 per cent in area towards the west of the existing site.

In submissions, it is noted all of the structures are temporary and installed and dismantled on the day of the weekly market.

A Ballina Shire Council spokeswoman said there were plenty of economic and social benefits to expanding the markets.

“Farmers markets provide direct benefits to producers and to the community generally by providing access to fresh food grown locally, and providing local farmers with an additional outlet for their products,” she said.

“They are also a great local meeting place, providing an opportunity for locals to get together.

“Expansion of the markets will increase all of these benefits.”

However, resident Glenda Shearman voiced concerns over potential traffic congestion.

Ms Shearman said she was worried an increased number of stalls could further aggravate parking at Namatjira Place.

“I understand why people park there, in order to avoid the Bentinck St, but when my driveway is blocked and I can’t access my own garage it becomes very frustrating,” she said in her objection.

A council spokeswoman said there Ballina Shire Council would work with market managers to manage the parking in other local streets to minimise impact on local residents.

“Expansion of the market will bring more pedestrian and vehicle activity, but this will occur on Sundays, which are normally quieter on local roads,” she said.

“Kingsford Smith Park will be available for overflow carparking and Council is looking to provide a safe pedestrian refuge in Bentinck Street for people crossing from that reserve.”

According to the development submission, Council is currently in the process of developing a ‘Kingsford Smith Reserve Master Plan’, which includes Commemoration Park.

Residents can have their size on the development until January 7 here.