Caribbean Market on Ferntree Gully Road in Scoresby to close with coronavirus blamed
A much-loved eastern suburbs market has become the latest victim of the coronavirus pandemic after more than 50 years in business. But the owners have confirmed one popular attraction will reopen.
Outer East
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After 55 years eastern suburbs institution Caribbean Market is being forced to shut for good.
Management made the announcement on its website confirming the Scoresby market — including the rides and playgrounds — would not be reopening after the forced coronavirus suspension earlier this year.
However, the family has confirmed Caribbean Rollerama will reopen.
“Today management confirmed the closure of its iconic Caribbean Market,” the post said.
“Unfortunately, as a privately-run market under the current circumstances it is unviable to reopen.”
The post said while no immediate plans have been put in place to replace the market, the land was part of a 200ha future masterplan.
“Established in the 1970s, Caribbean Market has welcomed over 40 million visitors and for decades has been the benchmark for family fun and entertainment,” the post said.
“Although this is a hard decision and a sad time we must celebrate the markets achievement and thank each and every customer, stall holder, visitor and staff for their partnership and for making Caribbean Market the icon it became.”
On its Facebook page fans and stall holders of the popular market have begged for the place to reopen.
The Caribbean Gardens and Market site has been owned by the Spooner family since 1942, and was originally used as a dairy farm.
In 1966 they developed an outdoor activity park, then a decade later opened the market, starting with fruit and vegetable stalls.
Over the years, they have held regular waterski shows at the lake with rides and attractions.
Until lockdown, the site still had a chairlift, miniature train, and a jungle cruise boat ride, as well as the bustling market.
The market has not been without controversy — in 2013, it was named in a Motion Picture Association of America report as one of the world’s most notorious markets for selling pirated DVDs.
But the years haven’t diminished the market’s popularity, with crowds of about 5000 coming through the doors on Wednesdays and Fridays, and more than 10,000 on Sundays.
Third-generation owner Ben Spooner previously told Leader he was proud of the milestone.
“From my point of view, when you look back at some of the images from 50-odd years ago, there was nothing here but cows and park land,” Mr Spooner said,
“And if you look at what has been done in the 50 years since from just one family, it is quite significant.”
The Caribbean Market owners have been contacted for further comment.
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