Editorial: Market move needs care

OPINION: Frankton Market is an institution – more than any other of Hamilton's markets, it is where the city's many different cultures can be seen mingling over fresh cabbages and avocados while munching on mussel fritters or chicken kebabs.

It is less white and middle class than either Tamahere or the Hamilton Farmers' Market and always attracts a large crowd.

The soundtrack is provided by buskers who range from god-loving rappers to the man with the soulful voice raising money for his kids.

The market has an energy and nature that is distinctly its own – one where a good healthy chuckle can always be heard.

A lot of that is down to the stallholders, shop owners and market-goers, but location also plays its part. The long stretch of Commerce St feels like the perfect spot, with people able to meander between the stalls and shops.

However, Forlongs, which has long called Frankton home and is one of its and the city's staunchest supporters, has raised concerns about the market with the Hamilton City Council and suggested an alternative venue.

The Waikato Times understands Forlongs director Terence Forlong has complained the market has led to increased shoplifting in his store.

Moreover, despite the market being started in 1988 by his father, Ivan Forlong, and other Frankton retailers, it is understood he also contacted the council to advise the market did not comply with a public safety bylaw because the area used for the market was needed for parking.

Council communications manager Monica Holt said the market was not in breach of the bylaw but Forlongs "did raise some concerns with council last year and suggested an alternative venue".

Frankton Market co-ordinator Vinod Bhikha has conceded that as traffic on surrounding streets and the market itself have grown there has been "an impact on Forlongs".

"They are a large and important business in Frankton – they need breathing space. Having the market a bit away has the option of creating a win-win situation."

The suggested changes would see Commerce St reopened to traffic on Saturday mornings and stalls moved to Kent St, which runs perpendicular to Commerce St and crosses it near its southwest end.

The smaller retailers, understandably, are fearful of losing the influx of 2000 shoppers each week that helps them survive.

To make matters worse, they have not yet been consulted. The council has sent letters asking Kent St businesses for their comments and says Commerce St retailers will be consulted soon.

Let's hope it's not a fait accompli. Tough questions need to be asked as to whether shifting the market around the corner 100 metres will make that much difference to Forlongs or other Commerce St retailers.

Moreover, how will it impact shoppers and stallholders? For example, there is no cover on Kent St.

No-one should be painted as the bad guy in this. Forlongs has been fantastic for the city. The market is a great asset. Both deserve to prosper.

The parties should work out the best arrangement between them.