The Adelaide Central Market is one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere, with 1 million kilograms of fresh produce delivered to the Market and sold every month. The Market offers a huge range of fresh food including fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, seafood, cheeses, bakery, smallgoods and health foods, along with some of Adelaide's most frequented cafes and eateries. With more than 9.5 million visitations every year, the Adelaide Central Market remains the food mecca for multicultural cuisine and fresh produce. In 2019, the Adelaide Central Market celebrated 150 years of continuous operation, making it the oldest food retail market in its original location in Australia. It is also a popular tourist attraction in the heart of Adelaide and is often referred to as the Central Market.
Establishment of the Market
The Market began in Grote Street in 1869 and was known as the City Markets, with its official opening by Mayor Judah Solomon on 23 January 1870. In 1869, land was bought in the present day location of the markets for £2600 for three town acres. However, the main markets at that time was the East End Markets that existed between Rundle Street and North Terrace. This market would equal the Adelaide Central Market until 1988. Because of the overflow of the East End Markets, some traders moved to the Central Market. The structure of the building was constructed of wood and iron sheets and completed in June 1869. At its commencement, it opened on Tuesdays and Saturdays with 50 to 100 produce carts. Shops were built along the perimeter of the markets and facing the streets. In the early 1880s, fish supplies were scarce in Adelaide and had to be brought from Port Augusta and Port Pirie by rail. Today the Central Markets are surrounded by the Central Market Arcade, Adelaide China Town, and Market Plaza. The 'centre' of the Central Markets is made up primarily of fresh produce stalls, with the perimeter and arcade shops being mainly cafés, restaurants, and variety stores.
Expansion and Redevelopment
On 8 February 1900, a foundation stone was laid by Mayoress Rosa Ware, in the presence of the Mayor of Adelaide, Arthur Ware. Shops were added as well as a refrigeration plant for fruit and fish. Electricity was added in 1902 to replace the gas lighting. Arcade shops were added in 1915 on the eastern side. At that stage, amusements were provided such as darts, billatelle, ball bowling, hoop-la and cheap jacks. The addition of other businesses, such as the Hampshire Hotel in 1911, the Moore's Department stores in 1914 and Her Majesty's Theatre also attracted customers. The Market opened for trading on Tuesday, commencing April 1920. In December 1922, the fish quarters of the Market was demolished and further arcades of 32 shops were added. On 27 December 1925, the North Eastern quarters of the Market were partly damaged through fire. In 1929, butchers' licences for the Market were not renewed because of sanitary concerns. Redevelopment of the Market commenced on 18 January 1965 with the demolition of the east end facade of market in Grote Street and addition of a car park. The new market was opened on 17 June 1966 by Lord MayorJames Irwin. Prior to August 1965, the Market was known as the "City Market", and after that, it was known as the "Central Market" being officially opened on 16 August 1965 with this official name.
Addition of a Supermarket and Fire
joined the neighbouring Central Market Arcade in the Central Market precinct in June 1967. Further undercover car parking was developed as well as the addition of a shopping complex. On 22 June 1977, the Market's southern stall area was badly damaged in a fire. Major restoration was undertaken to repair the damage caused by the fire. There was also at this time, competition from local suburban shopping centres. Further restoration was completed in 1987 and was opened by Lord Mayor James Jarvis on 14 April 1987. The Market currently has 76 stalls in some 8,000 square metres and some 1000 car park spaces exist above the Market Precinct.
Central Market Precinct
Including the main Central Market building, the Central Market Precinct is composed of five separately managed areas:
Adelaide Central Market
The Market itself holds over 76 stalls in a single undercover area. The Market is owned by the City of Adelaide, is managed by the Adelaide Central Market Authority, who also manages the carpark above the entire precinct.
Central Market Arcade
Originally known as Victoria Square Arcade, the Central Market Arcade was opened by then Premier David Tonkin on 3 November 1982. It houses over 60 specialty shops and is owned and managed by the City of Adelaide.
The Market Plaza
Linking the Central Market with Chinatown, the Market Plaza houses a number of specialty shops, cafes and a food court. The Market Plaza was opened by Lord Mayor James Jarvis on 3 December 1985. The Market Plaza is independently owned and managed.
Gouger Street
The main street of Adelaide's CBD and is well known for its abundance of multicultural cuisine and dining establishments.
