A new fresh food market to rival South Melbourne Market could become Wyndham’s latest foodie and tourist destination.
Plans have been lodged with Wyndham council for a $35 million undercover stall-based market spanning more than 17,000 square metres that will sell a mix of fresh produce – including locally grown vegetables, meat and the like – and non-food items, including clothes, homewares and crafts.
Called Starr Point Market, the business has been earmarked for a parcel of land on Point Cook Road that sits in between Saltwater Reserve and the Point Cook RAAF base. It is expected to trade seven days a week.
According to an economic impact assessment, the market would create an estimated 577 jobs once opened and is expected to achieve a $63.2 million turnover in its first year of operation.
Plans also show a greenhouse area and wetlands dedicated to growing fresh produce on-site and land set aside for expansion.
The market is the vision of Joe Schembri, who owns the land in question. Mr Schembri said the market would be similar in style to South Melbourne Market and would be the first market of its kind in the west.
“It’s close to the Werribee South market gardens, where there’s a possibility some of the farmers might use the market to sell different products.
“It’s a market for people who don’t want to travel through traffic to the other side of town. I believe in the old-fashioned way where people are able to share ideas over a coffee, get good food and services.”
Mr Schembri said construction would begin if, and when, he receives planning approval. A decision on the planning application is expected in the next few months, with the matter likely to go before councillors at an upcoming council meeting.
