The historic Belmont Market has always been a large part of the bustling Greater Geelong region.
With indoor and outdoor stalls, the market has become a community hub on Sunday’s for the past 50 years as people come together and trade – rain, hail or shine… or they did until the Council-managed market was closed for health and safety reasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-March.
Boasting a wide variety of products on offer every week, including popular items such as; new, pre-loved and vintage clothing, jewellery and other accessories, fresh fruit and vegetables, plants and flowers, hot food and confectionery, home wares and toys, crafts and materials, vintage and industrial items, and much, much more, the cancellation of the market was devastating to the local community.
While they opened again briefly back in the first easing of restrictions before closing up again, it has been revealed that life will be injected back into the region when the market will reopen to outdoor stallholders from Sunday 11 October, as part of a gradual return to operations.
In line with the Victorian Government’s ‘Third Step’ of the regional roadmap to reopening, the market is allowed to reopen with limited numbers and physical distancing in place. Reopening outdoor stalls allows stallholders and the general public to return and enjoy a safe shopping experience at the popular weekly market in Belmont.
This will provide small-scale traders in the region the chance to sell their wares, and for market shoppers to peruse pre-loved clothing, jewellery, accessories, fresh produce, plants, handmade crafts and other treasures.
Planning for indoor stallholders to safely return at the Barwon Valley Activity Centre is underway and will focus on preparing for increased foot traffic over the warmer months with measures put in place to help maintain restrictions for the safety of the community, stallholders and staff.
An announcement on the opening date of indoor stalls is expected late October so keep your eyes peeled.
“The gradual reopening of the Belmont Market is great news for keen shoppers, stallholders and City employees who have all been impacted by the temporary closures,” says City of Greater Geelong CEO Martin Cutter.
“The Belmont Market is a highlight of the week for our community, and is an event that brings passionate and like-minded residents together each Sunday. I look forward to seeing the wide variety of sellers and shoppers return outdoors to this much-loved community market.”
The City has advised permanent stallholders of the gradual reopening and COVID-Safe measures in place. Bookings for casual outdoor stallholders are open at geelongaustralia.com.au/belmontmarket. Priority will be given to permanent stallholders. ‘On the day’ casual bookings will not be available.
When visiting we encourage all market shoppers to follow current restrictions, maintain physical distancing, wear a face mask and practise good hygiene.
