Public feedback may help solve Frankton Markets tiff

The public is likely to be asked to give feedback to help settle the ongoing stoush between the Frankton Markets and Frankton's largest retailer, Forlongs.

The two have been unable to reach a decision, but the Herald understands one option to be discussed at Thursday's full council meeting would see market stallholders set up stands on either side of the pavement and into parallel carparks, which would be closed.

Forlongs has also suggested closing Commerce St between Kent and High Sts but opening the south end on Saturdays, after their suggestion to move the event to Sunday was rejected.

The city council plans to recommend it get public feedback on the options, from continuing to run markets on a Saturday to cancelling them altogether before making a decision in two months.

However, delaying the decision could temporarily halt the markets because, after Saturday, February 25, the street will have been closed for 31 days and be in breach of government road-closure rules.

Forlongs' lawyers have challenged the road being open for 51 half-days a year because they are only half-days.

Hamilton City Council city infrastructure general manager Chris Allen said an agreement had not yet been reached between the parties, despite several council-led mediation meetings.

"These discussions will continue, however, with a report being brought to council next week to start a process to get public input into the various options. Council would only be asked to make a decision once this public input is available."

Forlongs' owner, Terry Forlong, welcomed the move to close the road on Saturdays, but said it would not solve the problem of there not being enough parks on the street if the market spilled into them. Mr Forlong has concerns about parking, security and accessibility to the shops when the markets are running.

"We are happy with the road and we would like the car parks open as well, because there's not enough car parking on Saturday morning without those.

"It would be like it is now, and we are trying to get more car parks for our customers and better access."

Frankton Business Association chairwoman Edwyna Carlson confirmed the group had put some options forward.

Frankton's smaller retailers have been fighting for the 20-year-old markets to stay open on a Saturday because the event brought in 2000 shoppers, and many stallholders and visitors already had Sunday commitments.