Hank Marvin Market homeless again after just 12 weeks in Sandringham
It’s quickly become a weekend institution for bayside families — so why has this market been told to move on from its Sandringham base?
Inner South
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Market devotees are asking their neighbours to Give Hank a Hand and join a campaign to save a popular Bayside event.
More than 600 people have signed a petition to keep Hank Marvin Market at Royal Ave Reserve.
The weekly fresh produce and street food market moved to the site in March, after an initial stint at Dendy Park.
It is an extension of the original Hank Marvin Market at Alma Park, St Kilda.
Market manager Paul Wesolek was recently told by Bayside Council that a three-month permit for the event would not be extended.
He was invited to apply for the right to hold a monthly market at the site via an expressions of interest process opening in October.
“Inner city markets need to be weekly otherwise they just don’t work because people like to make a habit of visiting us rather than waiting a whole month to see us again, “ he said.
“Waiting until October to apply again would most certainly affect the momentum we’ve built and impact the relationships that our traders have fostered week by week, with loyal customers”
Despite only operating at Royal Ave since April the market has a loyal following with 677 people signing the Give Hank a Hand petition in less than a week.
Kate Kellett, who started the online campaign, said the market had “brought people together”.
She said Royal Ave Reserve was the “perfect location”.
“I’ve lived here for 23 years and am only now meeting some of my neighbours; and it’s because of this market,” Ms Kellett said.
“The market only takes up half the open space so there is still room for people who want to enjoy the reserve without attending a market.
“It’s also really quiet — you don’t even know it’s on unless you’re in the thick of it.”
She hoped her petition would encourage the council to rethink its decision.
The council recently surveyed people living near the reserve, asking them if they had visited a Hank Marvin Market and if they had any issues with the event.
Of the 500 surveys sent, 189 were returned with more than 70 per cent in favour of a market being held at Royal Ave Reserve.
At an April 23 meeting the council decided to invite “suitably qualified individuals or organisations” to pitch event ideas for the municipality, including at Royal Ave Reserve.
The process would allow up to 12 events a year to be held at Royal Ave, but not on consecutive weekends.
“We look forward to creating a thriving Bayside community through a variety of fantastic events that will provide opportunities for the community to come together,” the council said in a letter to residents.
Mr Wesolek said he was already working on an alternative nearby venue to keep servicing Bayside punters, with other host partners.
“The people of Bayside have shown us how much they love this event and I’m working hard to find a way to keep it here,” he said.
Bayside environment, recreation and infrastructure director Steven White said a resident survey found there were concerns over parking, using the space for commercial purposes and competition for local traders.
“The operator was advised from the outset that any extension to the permit would be dependent on the (survey’s) results,” Mr White said.
“(The) survey found that many residents supported the market (but) other residents expressed concerns.
“The winter weather has also seen the grass in the park deteriorate due to the market operating every week.”
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Mr White said the council agreed in April to introduce an “expression of interest” process to manage events in public open spaces.
“The process will identify all suitable event locations within Bayside, including the Royal Ave Reserve, and invite suitably qualified organisations to apply,” he said.
He said expressions of interest will open in October and the market was welcome to apply for a permit through the process.
You can add your name to the Give Hank a Hand petition here
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