The markets are rebuilding, says the operator. Photo: Old Bus Depot Markets.
The operator of the Old Bus Depot Markets has hit back against claims from some stallholders that the iconic weekly event is in decline on his watch and that a change in management was required.
Discontent among an unknown number of stallholders goes back years, with a letter sent to then Arts and Business Minister Tara Cheyne in 2023 claiming the markets were in trouble and needed a new operator.
Last June, they wrote to Chief Minister Andrew Barr, urging him not to retain the markets operator, Iconic Markets & Events, through a tender process, which has been extended until the New Year.
The ACT Government released a tender for the Kingston site in May, aiming to maximise the 5000 sqm space by inviting other operators and exploring opportunities, including on Saturdays and during the week.
The concerned stallholders claim there has been a big decline in market stalls, up to 60 per cent fewer on some days, reducing the diversity and vibrancy of the markets.
Iconic Managing Director Anthony Niravang admitted the markets faced challenges but rejected stallholder claims that his stewardship was to blame.
Mr Niravang said there had been days with fewer stalls than in the past, but this was not unique to the Old Bus Depot Markets and reflected broader changes since the COVID pandemic.
“Many former stallholders, our traditional long-term stallholder base, moved away from markets during the pandemic to find other ways to make a living as costs have risen and communities have changed,” he said.
This reduced the overall pool of active stallholders across the industry, not just at Kingston, he said.
Mr Niravang said rebuilding the stallholder base was a priority for the business, which continued to invest time, energy and resources into this.
He said green shoots were emerging.
“It has been a tough environment for small operators and entrepreneurs, particularly with the impact of COVID shutdowns, rising costs, and fewer opportunities to test new ideas,” he said.
“That said, we are beginning to see the signs of a grassroots resurgence. For every few that step away, new stallholders are emerging with fresh ideas and energy.
“Our focus is on creating an environment that nurtures and supports these new businesses, lowers barriers to entry, and helps them grow with confidence.”
Mr Niravang said Iconic was planning a number of big spring markets to breathe life back into the makers’ retail scene as Canberra warmed up.
He was actively scouting for new talent and introducing targeted incentives to attract operators in key areas where the market was underrepresented.
“With time and continued support, this renewal will strengthen the market and restore its vibrancy,” Mr Niravang said.
He urged stallholders with questions to talk to him directly, rather than sending letters to the government, as this would only harm other market businesses.
“OBDM has been a place where stall holders can speak directly to the owners at any time, have a say, share feedback and contribute their ideas to this business since day one,” Mr Niravang said.
“Sending alleged letters to the Chief Minister, which have never been shown to me, and lobbying through the media won’t grow the market; it will just negatively affect a lot of businesses that put their heart and soul into trading at the markets each week.”
Mr Niravang said the recent departure of markets manager Richard Vagi after six years in the role was nothing out of the ordinary, saying he left on good terms.
He confirmed Iconic was in negotiations with the government but could not say more while the tender process played out.
The tender extension will allow stallholders to continue trading up to and through the Christmas period while negotiations progress. A new licence had been expected to start on 1 August.
