Caribbean Gardens and Market Scoresby: Community push to reopen site

It closed almost a year ago, now the public is desperate to find out what is planned for the future of the Caribbean Gardens and Market site in Scoresby.

Caribbean Gardens and Market before it closed in 2020. Many in the community want the site reopened. Photo: Daniel Pockett

The community is pushing for access to the Caribbean Gardens and Market site in Scoresby, almost a year after the market shut its doors for good.

Former customers have flooded the market’s Facebook page, calling for the market to make a comeback, or for some of the site to reopen.

Many want to see the public given access to the lake, garden and playgrounds at the privately-owned site.

The Spooner family, who started the much-loved gardens and market 55 years ago, announced the closure on their website and social media on Monday, July 1 2020, with the impact of coronavirus to blame.

The post said while no immediate plans had been put in place to replace the market, the land was part of a 200ha future masterplan.

More than 45 people commented on a recent Facebook post by Caribbean Gardens and Market, spruiking a visit by Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas to the Caribbean Park office precinct.

“So much space surely the market can comeback,” Michelle Farrell said, while

Sammy Goumas said: “Be great to revamp as a foodie night market, so much potential to create a cool space much needed in Knox at the moment. Knox and Ozone is so tired looking now.”

The market ran for 55 years.

Kylie Van Dinteren said: “I would like the gardens and playground/s to stay including the tanks to allow some open space in the area … The cafeteria would be good on weekends for a family day out,” while Leese Sinclair said: “I want to buy the Aboriginal man statue that you can see from the chairlift at the lake, for 30 plus years I’ve loved seeing that when I take a ride, please don’t get rid of it and throw it away.”

Suzy Strati said she understood why the market had to close.

“However, all the rides that everyone’s kids loved should be available. Also the Japanese gardens, boat cruises, etc. Why not turn it into a mini adventure theme park. Keep some of it alive,” she said.

The popular train at Caribbean Gardens. Picture: Caribbean Gardens and Market

Sofie Kate Boston questioned when the public would be allowed to visit the gardens, playground and cafe again.

“We are locals and loved bringing the kids for a play,” she said.

A Knox resident, who did not want to be named, told Leader he believed the site should have a heritage listing, and didn’t want to see a “vital” part of Knox’s history lost.

“There are many parts of Caribbean that can’t be replaced – the chairlift is historic, possibly even linked to the old Portsea chairlift, which moved to Whisltestop Langwarrin then Caribbean Gardens in the 1970s,” he said.

The Caribbean Gardens chairlift. Picture: Caribbean Gardens and Market

“The train ride has a similar story. We should save these for the future. Knox has lost Rembrandt’s, The Swagman, Billy Bobs Wonderland Knox we can’t let another attraction be left to the wreckers.”

Families have fun on Caribbean Lake.

He said Caribbean pioneered Australian fibreglass and boating history, and the lake was significant.

According to the Caribbean Gardens and Market website, the property has been nurtured for three generations by the Spooner family and continues to be masterplanned as a community precinct.

“Caribbean Park is the name that is used to describe the entire property and while the family determines exactly how Caribbean Gardens and the property on which hosted Caribbean Market is used in the future. It currently remains closed to the public,” the website states.

The market operators declined Leader’s request for comment.