“We are shareholders, we have rights”: Sydney stall-owners take legal action against plans to redevelop Paddy’s Markets

By JUSTIN COOPER

Over 2 dozen market owners have pursued legal action against operation managing company, Sydney Market Limited (SML) following major plans to construct a luxury dining/ event venue within the current Paddy’s Market area.

Filing with the Supreme Court earlier this week, 25 stall owners are requesting SML to withdraw relocation orders requested earlier in December of last year.

City Hub spoke with Yi Weng, who has been selling luggage and goods within the precinct for the past 25-years and is leading the court action.

“What we are doing now is to protect our property, our lives, and our valuable assets,” Weng explained regarding the choice of legal action.

Weng explains that prior to the announcement of the development and notice of relocation in late 2022, there was no consultation from SML with affected market holders about plans for the redevelopment which would affect them. Plans for the development is to make space for a “high-end food and beverage precinct” led by Doltone House, a luxury venue and catering company.

“They [Doltone House] are in no position to be trading in Paddy’s market and they are now coming to take up our stands and locations for free… We are shareholders, we have rights.”

Purchasing his stand for $300,000 back in 2003, Weng explained the reasoning for the relocation does not match the criteria of the occupancy agreement for his stall to be relocated. Weng acknowledges that SML can request relocation of stalls, however due to the lack of information leading up to the plans announcement it is not applicable.

Weng says they’re “confident [they] can win the case and get legal action to protect our private assets and properties.”

Sydney Markets were reached out for comment.

Ongoing controversy with plans

Sydney Markets announced the plans back in December 2022 detailing the Doltone House sublet were to take up 300 market spaces, over 3000 square-metres within the Paddy’s Market venue.

When announced, market holders in the space where the precinct is to be developed were given till the 20th of March this year to relocate.

Community groups and the City of Sydney Council have tried to intervene in the development since, with Council passing a motion aimed to protect the market area.

Deputy Mayor Sylvie Elsmore previously stated the concern from the local community was due to the development’s “gentrification of the markets” and potential loss of “social heritage.”

With legal proceedings set to begin soon, it is unsure if or when development will continue.