New markets to enliven Perth Cultural Centre.

Inner city Perth will get its first regular weekly markets starting on the Australia Day long weekend when THE Markets @ Perth Cultural Centre is launched.

Planning Minister John Day said the markets would offer a variety of fresh produce,specialist Australian products and entertainment, and bring a new level of excitement to the Perth Cultural Centre.

“The new markets are another step in making the Perth Cultural Centre one of Perth’s most lively and popular places,” Minister Day said.

“EPRA has been working closely with Rotary and its incorporated body, the Perth City Markets, and the Perth Cultural Centre tenants to find a place for the markets that is both accessible and safe.

“I am excited about the new markets and am sure they will be a great addition to the Perth Cultural Centre.”

The first stage of the markets will include 30 stalls selling fresh farm produce and flowers, artisan products, kitchen goods, art, fashion and jewellery, exotic items and organic foods.

If the markets are successful, they could be expanded to include an additional 50 stalls.

THE Markets @ Perth Cultural Centre Chairperson and Rotarian Maureen McDaniell said Rotary was delighted to see the venture finally launched after considerable discussion and negotiation.

“As the only regular CBD market, we aim to create a vibrant and bustling opportunity that offers something for everyone – from couples living the inner city lifestyle, to families and individuals hungry for interesting and diverse activities in the City or weekend visitors to Perth,” Mrs McDaniell said.

“Once the markets are more established, 100 per cent of the profits will go back into the community via youth in crisis projects in Perth.

“We are grateful to EPRA for their enthusiastic support in helping to launch THE Markets @ Perth Cultural Centre.

“And we are also very thankful for the co-operation and assistance of the Perth Cultural Centre tenants and the City of Perth, as well as the innumerable organisations who have offered their networks of support and advice in an effort to establish these markets.”

THE Markets @ Perth Cultural Centre will operate from 8:30am to 5pm every weekend and on Monday public holidays starting on the Australia Day long weekend.

In addition to the markets, EPRA is working to enliven the area by bringing more festivals and community events to the Perth Cultural Centre.

During December and January a free outdoor sustainability exhibition, the Earth from Above, was held in the Perth Cultural Centre. On February 6, EPRA, the City of Perth and the Department of Culture and the Arts will sponsor boutique music festival, the St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, to come to Perth for the first time.