Stallholders at the Old Bus Depot Markets are fearing for their futures. Photo: Old Bus Depot Markets, Facebook.
Stallholders at the iconic Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston say they are being left in the dark about the new licence arrangements for the site, leaving them unable to make business decisions and threatening their livelihoods.
They wrote to Business, Arts and Creative Industries Minister Michael Pettersson on 20 May to express their deep disappointment and growing distress over the ACT Government’s lack of clear communication and support regarding the markets’ future, but have not received any response.
On Wednesday (28 May), market management advised operations would continue “for now” but may cease at any moment, they said.
“This level of uncertainty is deeply distressing for small business owners and families whose livelihoods depend on the markets,” the stallholders said.
In the letter to Mr Pettersson, the stallholders said that website bookings for stalls were only available until Sunday, 25 May 2025, leaving them in limbo beyond that date.
“This silence is not just frustrating, it is damaging,” they said.
“For many of us, these markets are not a hobby or a side business. They represent our sole source of income.
“The uncertainty is having a devastating emotional and financial impact not only on us as small business owners but on our families and children who depend on this income to survive.”
The government has yet to decide who will operate the heritage-listed Old Bus Depot site for the next three years after throwing open the operator licence in a bid to “make the best use of this unique facility”.
In January, the government put the licence out to tender, which closed on 13 March.
The current operator, Iconic Markets and Events, has submitted a proposal and is in the running to stay at the site. However, its licence expires at the end of June, and the government has stated that stallholders will then be on a month-to-month arrangement until a new one is granted.
The stallholders told Mr Pettersen that the government’s silence and lack of transparency around the tender process have left hundreds of people anxious as they plan their weeks with no knowledge of whether their livelihoods will continue next month.
“All this is happening at a time when many families are already struggling to meet rising living costs,” they said.
A government spokesperson stated that an Evaluation Team was considering the tender submissions and that it was intended for a new licence to commence on 1 August 2025.
Iconic Market & Events had been provided with a letter also sent to stallholders when the procurement process was announced, explaining the process.
But due to procurement rules and probity requirements, the government had been limited in what it could say.
“We understand that uncertainty around the future operation of the building is causing concern for stallholders, and we are working towards a decision as quickly as possible,” the spokesperson said.
Questions about the market’s booking processes should be directed to Iconic Market & Events.
The spokesperson said the licence also required the government to provide three months’ written notice if the month-to-month arrangement were to end.
“The ACT Government greatly values the vital role markets and stallholders play in our community and is committed to working with organisers to find practical solutions when required,” the spokesperson said.
“We also provide marketing support for markets throughout the year, and there are programs available – such as the Canberra Business Advice and Support Service – should small businesses need additional support at this time.”
Iconic Market & Events managing director Anthony Niravong could not be reached for a response.
