Caribbean Market: Scoresby icon closure upsets Knox community and traders

Thousands of punters across Melbourne have come out in support of an iconic Scoresby market, attempting to save it from closure. This comes as traders say they only found out by word of mouth.

Caribbean Market when it was open.

Thousands of passionate Caribbean Market supporters are calling for the “institution” to be saved with a Facebook page started to gather support for its reopening.

This comes as stall holders have reported only hearing the shock news about the market’s demise through word of mouth and were not directly contacted by the owners.

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.

But people across Melbourne have expressed their disappointment and sadness at the decision, with one person even calling for the State Government to step in.

In its announcement management said the market would not be reopening after the forced coronavirus suspension earlier this year.

“Unfortunately, as a privately run market under the current circumstances it is unviable to reopen,” the post said.

Its post on social media attracted more than 7500 comments, and prompted Knox resident Kathy Marks to start a supporter Facebook page – ‘Let’s try to keep Caribbean open’.

Ms Marks said she started the group because she was saddened by the closure, and had a lot of fond memories of the place as a child, even taking her own children.

“I thought I could show the business owners the love and support they have by having the public having their say in how sad it’s made them,” she said.

“It brings community together, allows for small business owners to showcase their supplies to local members, it’s a talking point.

“Lots of families have barbecues there, enjoy the rides, enjoy the child friendly, family friendly atmosphere.”

Ms Marks said it would be heartbreaking to see more townhouses in what was once a Sunday tradition for many families.

Traders, also, were not happy with the decision.

Steve Skovic, from Steve’s Phone Repairs, said the market was some traders’ livelihoods.

“To spring it on us out of nowhere like this is awful,” Mr Skovic said.

“I would have appreciated if they’d given us some notice or even a few days back to come to terms with it.

“It was good while it lasted. I’m grateful we’ve had a good place for families for so long.”

Fellow stall holder Kally Stark, from Kally’s House of Bali, said she had been at the market for almost a decade and she only found out from other traders about the sudden closure.

“It’s sad it’s come to this,” Ms Stark said.

She said the market traders were like family and now there was no chance to catch up or say goodbye.

Ms Stark was sceptical that coronavirus was the cause of the closure.

Neighbouring stall holder George Papageorgiou has been running sterling silver business Georgiou Jewellery for about a decade.

Mr Papageorgiou said the lack of communication from the owners was very disappointing.

“They could have told us ages ago instead of leaving us in limbo and could have been looking at other markets when they start to open,” he said.

“I think they probably had this on the agenda a long time ago.”

Mr Papageorgiou said he loved the market’s atmosphere and the people.

“You enjoyed going to work, catching up with friends, having regular and new customers,” he said.

“I hope someone else takes it over but can’t see it happening.”

Thousands of punters also aired their views on the closure with one suggesting an appeal for government assistance.

Brad Acht commented on the post and said: “I vote we approach the state government to get them to protect this Melbourne institution. I know it won’t help but it’s an idea.”

While Michael Bonello urged the owners not to close suggesting donations could help save the beloved market.

“People should be rallying being these kinds of places and fighting tooth and nail to keep them open, or at least not closing down,” Mr Bonello said.

“Most of us have been going our whole lives and want to preserve these kinds of places for future generations.”

Vicki Kontos said she felt for the stall holders and staff members, and urged the owners not to sell to “big business”.

“They have enough. We don’t have a lush area where families have a great day with loved ones. Money is great but memories are forever,” Ms Kontos said.

A market spokeswoman said the staff and stall holders were informed of the closure first, then the customers.

“We have a database of 2000 stall holders who were sent an email from Rod Spooner,” she said.

She said the message was also put into the Stall Holder Facebook group and Mr Spooner also phoned a number of traders as well.

“Our intention was to inform stall holders quickly and respectfully,” she said.

FACTS

• The 202ha site has been in the family since Archibald Spooner purchased the farmland in 1942
• In 1966 the family developed an outdoor activity park, then a decade later opened the market, starting with fruit and vegetable stalls
• Regular waterski shows were held at the lake, with rides and attractions
• The large plot of land includes the Caribbean Gardens and Market, the Rollerama, a growing industrial warehouse and office precinct
• In 2013 the market was named in a Motion Picture Association of America report as one of the world’s most notorious markets for selling pirated DVDs

MORE: KNOX TIP FINED AFTER MATTRESS FIRE CAUSES ‘PLUME OF SMOKE’

WHY TODDLER’S NEAR-DROWNING DEATH WAS PREVENTABLE

WHO STOLE THIS GIANT YARRA VALLEY WINE BOTTLE?