Caribbean Market: Ferntree Gully Road, Scoresby site refreshed by new 2.0 venture

Almost a year after the iconic site shut for good, there is something coming to the Caribbean Market site. Here’s how you can be involved.

Caribbean Markets were closed in July, 2020. Photo: Daniel Pockett

A new market has sprung up in place of decades old, iconic Scoresby institution closed during the height of Melbourne Covid lockdown.

The Caribbean Gardens and Market was shut for good last year by the Spooner family, who have owned the 200ha site for more than 55 years.

Now a separate company is leasing the old market building for a new venture called 2.0 Artisan Vintage Market.

According to its website, those running the vintage market are looking for stall holders for its grand opening on July 24 and 25.

When it opens the market will trade seven days a week; Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 5pm.

Similar to the old market, the organisers – who Leader has reached out to – are looking for permanent and market day stall holders who sell vintage wares and antiques, artisan products, handmade goods, homewares and gifts, art, styling and design and fresh produce.

It’s almost been a year since the old market was closed and many former customers called for the market to make a comeback, or for some of the site to reopen.

Many also wanted 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 in 1970s, 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.

Knox councillor Nicole Seymour announced the new venture on her Facebook page and warned people the proposal was very different to the market that had previously been operating at the site.

“This new concept is the brainchild of new business owners experienced in this kind of offering,” Cr Seymour said.

“Whilst the land holdings remain the property of the Spooner Family, the new artisan market is a separate business leasing the land.”

She appealed for the public to get behind the concept and “make it a success”.

“Thousands of people pleaded to keep the market site open to the public,” she said.

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