In decline? The government was looking to refresh the markets. Photo: Old Bus Depot Markets.
The Old Bus Depot Markets’ current operators have had their licence extended to 5 January 2026 as negotiations continue with the preferred supplier selected through the ACT Government tender process.
The extension comes as some stallholders lobby the government about the unsuitability of market operator, Iconic Markets and Events Pty Ltd run by Anthony Niravong and Sally Liu, who they say are to blame for the markets’ decline in recent years and fear the tender has only resulted in them being retained.
They claim that since Iconic took over the markets in 2016 stall availability has shrunk, with recent reports on many Sundays that there are up to 60 per cent fewer stalls compared to its peak period.
“This decline raises important questions about the diversity and vibrancy of the market experience, which may influence visitor engagement and overall sales,” they say.
These stallholders welcomed the tender announced in May as an opportunity to refresh the markets but they are aware of ongoing negotiations between Iconic and the government, suggesting the tender did not attract the kind of response the government was looking for.
The government was looking to get more out of the 5000 sqm site by opening it up to other operators and opportunities, including on Saturdays and during the week.
According to the tender, these new ideas could include more markets, events and arts activities, particularly given its location as part of the to-be-developed Kingston Arts Precinct.
A government spokesperson said the outcome of any negotiations and the parties involved would only be known when a contract had been signed.
The extension would allow Iconic and its 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.
“Negotiating long-term contractual arrangements takes time, and this mutual agreement ensures continuity of the Old Bus Depot Markets’ operations while allowing for a thorough and transparent process that upholds probity requirements,” the spokesperson said.
The concerned stallholders, who prefer not to be named for fear of retribution, wrote to Chief Minister Andrew Barr in June, referring him to a 2023 letter sent to then Arts and Business Minister Tara Cheyne.
The 2023 letter pointed out a significant fall in stallholder numbers and business turnover, and a decline in the quality of stalls due to insufficient curation.
“This has resulted in a less appealing and diverse range of offerings, further diminishing the market’s overall appeal and ability to attract visitors,” Ms Cheyne was told.
The stallholders told Mr Barr they had been informed that the current management team was in negotiations with the government to maintain control of the markets.
“Reinstating Anthony Niravong and Sally Liu at the helm of the markets raises serious concerns, as their management has been associated with challenges that have directly impacted the success of the markets,” Mr Barr was told.
“A change in management is critical; without it, the viability of many stallholders’ businesses may be jeopardised.”
The government did not say how many parties had responded to the tender.
But the stall holders said they have confirmed that an experienced local operator with a strong track record and proven capabilities and expertise applied but missed out.
According to the OBDM August newsletter, markets manager Richard Vagi finished up with Icon last Sunday. Icon is now recruiting to fill the role.
“We we are continuing to work closely with the ACT Government on future planning, and trading will continue as usual into the new year,” it said. “We are pleased to confirm that Christmas trading is locked in and planning is already under way.”
Questions to Mr Niravong through the markets’ PR firm were not responded to.
