Coronavirus Gold Coast: Cararra Markets stallholder says COVID-19 crisis could be ‘nail in the coffin’

A stallholder says a rental fee charged by Carrara Markets will be the “final nail in the coffin” for the iconic attraction, but management has rubbished the claims.

AN unhappy stallholder at Carrara Markets fears the coronavirus pandemic, that’s forced it to close, “is the final nail in the coffin” for the iconic Gold Coast marketplace.

“The markets were failing before this and the food and beverage traders must be haemorrhaging money. I can’t see it recovering from this, particularly as once it’s over we’ll be living in a different world,” he said.

But manager Denis Lee vehemently denies the attraction is on the brink of collapse saying: “that’s absolute nonsense, we’re not going to throw the towel any time soon in”.

The stallholder, who did not want to be named, said he and other occupants were given two weeks free rent but last week were asked to cough up 20 per cent in rent each week until the marketplace reopens.

Carrara Markets pictured before it was closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: Nigel Hallett

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“I just feel offended that we’re being asked to pay out a certain amount when we’re not legally allowed to trade and aren’t making any money,” he said.

“I’ve been here more than 15 years and in the past few years stallholders have been whittling away. Surely they could show some leniency during this crisis.

“Shutters are down all around and I won’t be surprised if heaps more traders hand their keys back. Why not just close it and pay out the owners, this could drag on for six months.

“I truly believe this is the final nail in the coffin of the markets.”

However, Mr Lee is optimistic Carrara Markets will be given the all clear to reopen in May after “rumblings that the curve is flattening” and because there were indications in NSW that they were considering consider lifting strict restrictions next month to allow farmer markets, gyms and restaurants to reopen.

Carrara Markets General Manager Denis Lee, back when night markets opened in October last year. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“Hopefully we’ll reopen before the end of May, I mean Bunnings JB Hi-Fi and Kmart are still operating. We’re also an open air market which is to our advantage.”

Mr Lee said 250 stallholders were given two weeks free rent and now were “getting a discount on their rent of 80 per cent”.

“Once we reopen we’ll only ask for 20 per cent of their usual rent until things pick up. We’re certainly not trying to make any money, we’re just using the money to pay for security, power bills and lighting to keep the place secure,” he said.

“Also, our rents are ridiculously low, with some stallholders being here for 38 years. And the beauty of our business model is that people are not locked into anything, they are free to come and go.

Carrara Markets have been operating on the Gold Coast for more than 30 years.

“While there may be a couple of dissidents, the majority of stallholders want to hold the markets together and come out the other end. Australians won’t be rushing to holiday overseas so I see a very bright future here, it’ll just take a little time to build that back up.”

Meanwhile, Carrara Markets’ farmers market is still operating in the car park on Saturdays from 7am-12pm. It offers fresh fruit, vegetables and farm eggs. Pre-packed fresh boxes are available for those who want to grab and go.