Glebe Markets to remain open as new interim operator is found

By HENRIQUE MONTEIRO

Despite being set to close on the 25th of February, Glebe residents were happy to hear that the Glebe Markets will remain open for the future as a new interim operator has put up their hand to take over.

“Thank you to the thousands of people who signed my petition to save Glebe Markets. When nobody else would, our community stepped up,” Inner West Deputy Mayor Philippa Scott said.

The new operator is Organic Food Markets, who have been attributed an interim license of 12 months to run the 30-year institution of the Glebe Markets by the NSW Department of Education.

The new custodians expressed their interest in continuing to operate the markets side by side with stallholders, as was done under the previous management of David and Naomi McCumstie who cited “personal reasons” for ending their own contract last month.

Last Friday Balmain MP Jamie Parker announced via Facebook that a new interim operator was found to run the Glebe Markets for the foreseeable future.

“An interim operator has just been named to take over the markets”, Parker wrote.

Even though the current solution is temporary, Parker stated he was confident about the future of the Sydney institution.

“My office has already been contacted by almost a dozen operators who are keen to take over management of the markets long-term,” he said.

A one-week break will be given on the 4th of March to ensure Glebe Public School can perform essential maintenance upgrades to the markets’ grounds. The markets will resume on the 11th of March and continue for the foreseeable future.

Improvements still necessary 

Despite a positive breakthrough, Philippa Scott has warned that improvements are needed when it comes to the markets.

“We need a fair and transparent tender for a long-term contract, including a proper traffic management plan, to put the needs of the Glebe community first,” she said.

The NSW Department of Education has announced that a traffic management plan will be included into the new contract to address the conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles, ease traffic and ensure residents are less hindered by the high number of weekend visitors.

“I’m hopeful that today’s announcement will reassure everyone in the community that this iconic inner west institution will be alive and kicking well into the future,” Parker said.