Caribbean Market - Closed Caribbean Market - Closed

Eastern suburbs institution Caribbean Market has been forced to shut for good after 55 years.

Management made the announcement on its website confirming the Scoresby market - including the rides and playgrounds - would not be reopening after the forced COVID-19 suspension. But the Caribbean Rollerama would reopen.

"Today, management confirmed the closure of its iconic Caribbean Market," the post said.

"Unfortunately, as a privately-run market under the current circumstances it is unviable to reopen."

The post said while no immediate plans had been put in place to replace the market, the land was part of a 200ha future masterplan.

"Established in the 1970s, Caribbean Market has welcomed over 40 million visitors and for decades has been the benchmark for family fun and entertainment," the post said.

"Although this is a hard decision and a sad time, we must celebrate the market's achievement and thank each and every customer, stall holder , visitor and staff for their partnership and for making Caribbean Market the icon it became."

On its Facebook page fans and stall holders of the popular market have begged for it to reopen.

The Caribbean Gardens and Market site has been owned by the Spooner family since 1942, and was originally used as a dairy farm.

In 1966 they developed an outdoor activity park, then a decade later opened the market , starting with fruit and vegetable stalls.

Over the years, waterski shows have been held at the lake with rides and attractions.

SAVE Caribbean Park & Market

Thousands of passionate Caribbean Market supporters are calling for the "institution" to be saved with a Facebook page started to gather support for its reopening.

It comes as stall holders have reported hearing the shock news of the closure through word of mouth, not directly from the owners.

The Spooner family, which began the gardens and market 55 years ago, announced the closure on their website and social media on Monday.

"Unfortunately, as a privately-run market under the current circumstances it is unviable to reopen," it read.

The post on social media attracted more than 7500 comments, and prompted Knox resident Kathy Marks to start a Facebook page, Let's try to keep Caribbean open.

2021 Update: Community Rally

This article is from the March 12, 2021 issue of The Herald Sun Digital Edition.

THE community is pushing for access to the Caribbean Gardens and Market site in Scoresby, almost a year after the market closed for good.

Former customers have flooded the market's Facebook page, asking its operators to consider a reopening.

Many want public access to the lake, garden and playgrounds at the privately owned site.

The Spooner family, who started the popular gardens and market 55 years ago, announced the closure on their website and social media on July 1, citing the impact of the pandemic.

More than 45 people commented on a recent Facebook post by Caribbean Gardens and Market spruiking a visit by Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas.

"So much space, surely the market can comeback," Michelle Farrell said.

Sammy Goumas said: "Be great to revamp as a foodie night market, so much potential to create a cool space much needed in Knox.

"Knox and Ozone is so tired looking now."

According to the Caribbean Gardens and Market website, the property has been nurtured by three generations of the Spooner family.

"Caribbean Park is the name that is used to describe the entire property and while the family determines exactly how Caribbean Gardens and the property on which hosted Caribbean Market is used in the future. It currently remains closed to the public," the website states.

The market operators would not comment.

❊ Address ❊

 ⊜  Corner Ferntree Gully Road and Stud Road, Scoresby 3179 View Map
 ✆ Telephone: (03) 9756 5000

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❊ Web Links ❊

➼ Caribbean Market - Closed 

➼ www.caribbeanpark.com

➼ www.caribbeangardens.com.au

❊ Also See.. ❊

➼ Caribbean Park







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