Market dispute may cost council another $10,000

Frankton market has been attracting shoppers for more than 20 years. Photo / Nicola Topping

The ongoing dispute over closing Commerce St on Saturday mornings for the Frankton Market could cost Hamilton ratepayers a further $10,000 if council goes ahead with plans to transform it into a permanent shared space for vehicles and people.

The battle between Forlongs and the Frankton Business Association, which runs the market, is becoming a costly one for the city council which has spent $28,750 on the problem since Forlongs raised concerns in October last year.

Forlongs' lawyers challenged that closing for more than 31 days, even though they were half days, breached legislation.

The city council was forced to intervene in February after the two parties were unable to come to a compromise.

Today's council meeting will look at whether a trial of a shared vehicle and pedestrian concept worked and if it should spend more money, estimated to be $10,000, to make it permanent.

The business association wants the road to be closed during the Saturday morning markets, but Forlongs has suggested closing Commerce St between Kent St and High St but opening the south end on Saturdays or moving the market to Sundays. Forlongs does not want the market outside its store.

However, for the council's latest option to go ahead without being challenged, the council is required to ask for community feedback and to look at whether the road is suitable to be a shared space.

The business association has reported the new layout - with stalls on the side of the road - was working well, but council staff have raised safety concerns about young children being able to run in front of cars at the family-friendly market.

So far the $28,750 cost of legal advice, facilitated meetings and meetings has been absorbed by the council through reshuffling the city infrastructure budget.

If the consultation process went ahead the council would have to try to reprioritise work further or ask for more money.

ONGOING BATTLE

* The dispute over the Frankton Market could cost Hamilton ratepayers a further $10,000.
* The city council has spent $28,750 on the problem since October last year.
* The business association wants the road to be closed during the Saturday morning markets.
* Forlongs has suggested closing Commerce St between Kent St and High St but opening the south end on Saturdays or moving the market to Sundays.