Market to boost Taylor Square
A community-style market aimed at reinvigorating the commercial viability of Oxford St and Darlinghurst will be trialled as part of this year’s Mardi Gras festival.
The Darlinghurst Business Partnership (DBP) will launch the market on February 28 under the theme So Gay Saturday. If successful the markets will become a monthly fixture.
The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, ACON and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association have all signed up for stalls, as have several local businesses and local art schools.
DBP president Andrew Duckmanton said the event would not only help fill the void on the Mardi Gras calendar left by the defunct Shop Yourself Stupid, but create an ongoing attraction to bring shoppers back to the area.
The area has been left alone a bit, but we want to re-invigorate it. We’re trying to make something that works with the main street, that creates some really good activity, that also makes Taylor Square a little bit more than a begging palace, he told Sydney Star Observer.
We’re keen to take advantage of the people who come into Sydney for Mardi Gras. Last year it was almost like Darlinghurst had its skirts down. We were a bit sombre and we certainly weren’t showing off what is Sydney’s most renowned event.
Overseas people know about bushfires and Mardi Gras so we need to get the area to really lift its skirts, have fun and show what we’re about -” which is an important role the community can provide to Mardi Gras.
The initiative has support from the City of Sydney which has waived ordinary street trading and rental costs to foster the event.
The DBP will pay for trestles and equipment to make the event affordable for businesses. An ongoing arrangement for not-for-profit and community organisations has been guaranteed to ensure the market remains locally minded.
We want to make sure these remain community markets and that some commercial operator doesn’t come in, Duckmanton said.
The Paddington Markets have moved away from their original charter, I feel, and have become a sort of tourist destination. Ours is going to be very much about keeping the community completely engaged.
info: Community organisations and businesses interested in taking a stall, or entertainers who want to take part can phone Andrew Duckmanton on 0417 340 003.
I remember when the council dug the whole place up we got so excited,we were expecting this “Grand” end result but all we got was a sprinkler.
Seriously oxford street needs a bit of greenery,federation colours,the pathway “Paved” and some nightclubs and sex-shops closed down for good.
Gaymen and lesbians seem to always have $$$ to burn,so why doesn’t the local businesses petition their shop landlords and councils into spending a few dollars on a complete facelift so it entices us to spend there.Oh and get rid of that stupid sprinkler,thanks
I think this is a fantastic idea! Congratulations!
It is a progressive step in the right direction. I will definitely be coming along to support.
I would love to see a growers market on Taylor Square! Now that would be cool! A bright, vibrant, fresh environment to reclaim this great location!
It’s funny how people say things simply because they want it to be true (as if repetition could make it so).
It’s funny how the same sentiments have been echoed for what seems like years, yet Oxford Street is still there. Glbtqi folk still go out and have a good time there. Glbtqi businesses still operate there. Glbtqi people still passionately defend it as the home of Mardi Gras Parade and the spiritual heart of gay Australia.
I think there’s life within the old tart yet :)
Ive lived in a few small towns in my time, with little to no Gay scene and felt far safer than walking through Oxford Street. I think Oxfords expiry date has come.
Even with the divinity of our holy mother, the”blessed virgin mary” Oxford Street couldn’t be saved.
I don’t think anybody has ever attempted to re-float the “titanic”.
I think it is simply a case Oxford Street’s use by date has come around.
I think the hard thing for all of us is to simply accept this and move on.
Oxford Street resembles The Gaza Strip !
The only difference for the homosexuality community is they have to dodge a fist from a homophobe instead of a bullet from a gun.
I think we would all be safer living in Narrandera ?
This is a good start but there is so much more that needs to be done! Oxford Street needs to see some drastic action taken to save it
Yes please do something about it. You cant even walk through Taylor Square.