The Ferny Grove Markets have closed their stalls for the second time since their establishment in 1963, leaving residents and stallholders disheartened.
The markets, once a bustling hub held every Sunday at the Ferny Grove train station car park, had recently relocated to the Brisbane Tramway Museum following a hiatus and redevelopment at the original site. The revived markets, held on the first Saturday of each month, offered a diverse range of goods and served as a cherished gathering place for the community.
However, after a brief revival, the markets closed on the 1st of June 2024.
Colin Smith, the president of the market’s organising committee for four decades, cited a combination of factors leading to the closure, including the aging committee’s difficulty with early morning set-up, increased rent at the Tramway Museum, and logistical challenges with accessing the museum grounds early in the morning.
The Ferny Grove community is mourning the loss of the markets, with many people expressing their sadness over the loss of a weekly gathering place where friends and neighbors could interact.
Residents like John Goodship emphasised the markets’ role as a social hub, while Rosalie Matthews lamented the loss of the revived market experience.
Despite the setback, Mr Smith remains determined to find a new location for the markets, vowing to continue the search for a suitable home where the Ferny Grove Markets can once again thrive and bring the community together.
Published Date 04-June-2024