North Rocks Village: Developer EG and Carlingford Rotary Club plan to expand North Rocks market

A popular Sunday market could soon be expanded as part of plans for a $785 million “green village” in a bustling northwest Sydney suburb.

The popular North Rocks market could soon receive a boost as property developer EG plans to expand their reach in the proposed North Rocks Village.

For almost 40 years, these markets have been run by the Rotary Club of Carlingford every Sunday morning.

Carlingford Rotary chair Mike Morgan said the markets were a key source of fundraising, and since inception had netted the club more than $5 million.

With these funds, the club helps sponsor a range of charitable endeavours including Parramatta Mission’s meals plus service, sending dental and hearing aid equipment to Samoa and sponsoring a nursing scholarship for an Indigenous student at Western Sydney University.

Mr Morgan said he and other club members were thrilled to discover market’s 40-year tradition would continue as part of the proposed North Rocks Village.

Artist impression of the proposed site for the North Rocks market.

“It’s been a tough couple of years for the markets with Covid and lockdowns,” Mr Morgan said.

“So, we’re all looking forward to having a new location and the chance for new stall holders and residents to come down on a Sunday morning and discover everything on offer.”

Mike Morgan, chair of the Carlingford rotary club. Picture: John Fotiadis

Like Mr Morgan, Amanda Rose, a western Sydney resident and advocate, believes the proposed North Rocks Village will enhance and help boost the market’s popularity.

“Markets are part of the soul of the community,” Ms Rose said. “And these markets in North Rocks are so important for people who live around here.”

“(With the proposed village) the markets will end up better because we have the ability to enhance the space they’re on … they’ll be more accessible with more trees and seating areas and there’s a greater opportunity to expand these markets too.”

The North Rocks Village is a $785 million vision to transform the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) site into a “green village” featuring parks, a community hub, 1000 new homes, a childcare centre and a neighbourhood library.

Artist impression of the proposed North Rocks Village.

Almost 30 per cent of the site will be publicly accessible open space, with the 1.8ha oval precinct including a sports field and tennis courts.

Michael Easson, executive chairman of EG, said the company was committed to working closely with the Carlingford Rotary Club to ensure these markets will continue on in the proposed North Rocks Village.

“The markets have been an integral tenant on the site for decades and have become an instrumental part of the community,” Mr Easson said.

“(We) knew it was important to consult with rotary about keeping that legacy alive … we want them to be able continue the fundraising work they do for the institute, and other organisations, through the markets.”