The centre will now host regular market days, which will see farmers from the Sunshine Coast sell their goods alongside a number of other retailers, including big names like Woolworths.
The markets will be operated by Shane Stanley, who has been running the successful Noosa Farmers’ Markets for several years. Poster printing could be used to advertise the new events.
The venue is owned by the Reed Property Group, which has also recently opened the Ocean Street entertainment and food precinct. It is hoped that the owners of restaurants and cafes in the precinct will also use the markets to source produce for their businesses.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said the projects showed Maroochydore was in the middle of an exciting period for residents and retailers. He commented:
“The Big Top is an iconic Sunshine Coast building that has many fond memories for our Coast residents and visitors and it’s very pleasing to be able to come here today and see the really positive results of its ambitious redevelopment.”
To begin with, the markets will run on Wednesdays from 10am to 6pm, on Fridays from 3pm to 9pm and on Saturdays from 8am until 3pm.