End of an era as iconic Organic Food Market at Frenchs Forest closes after 25 years
The much loved Organic Food Market at Frenchs Forest will close this year after a quarter of a century in operation to make way for new development in the suburb.
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The much loved Organic Food Market at Frenchs Forest will close this year after a quarter of a century in operation.
Director Stephen Choularton said the weekly market will have to move to make way for new development in the suburb.
However, he intends to retain a presence in the northern beaches by setting up in Mona Vale.
“The timing is not totally in our hands,” he said. “There is a building works schedule so it could be several months away but I expect us to move this year. Hopefully we will be able to open straight away at Mona Vale.”
The Organic Food Market is currently held every Sunday from 9am to 1pm at the Parkway Hotel in Frenchs Forest Rd East.
Thousands attend with dozens of traders and producers selling their goods.
Frenchs Forest was the company’s first market when it opened 25 years ago.
It now runs 10 weekly markets across NSW including in Double Bay, Newcastle and Rouse Hill.
It is proposed the market will move to the carpark of the Pittwater RSL Club in Mona Vale Rd.
Mr Choularton said he planned to continue to hold the market on a Sunday morning.
The company submitted a development application last week seeking permission to trade in the RSL carpark on both Wednesday and Sunday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
Access to the carpark is being sought from 7am to 2pm.
“The RSL is on-board and we hope to have all the traders come with us,” Mr Choularton said. “Everyone wants to see us in a new home and it is not that easy to find a location.”
While the new location is sure to be a hit with those in the north of the peninsula, those further south will have further to travel.
By road it is 15km, 20 minute drive from the existing location.
“The market has been a real success because of the increased interest in food over the years,” Mr Choularton said. “People also really enjoy the market experience.”
The development application will be decided on in the next few months.
For more details visit organicfoodmarkets.com.au.
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