A rare opportunity to join one of the world’s top food and produce markets, visited by more than eight million people each year, is now available with the Adelaide Central Market Authority.
Rated as one of the best and largest undercover fresh produce markets in the southern hemisphere, the Market is casting the net nationally, seeking Expressions of Interest from prospective tenants to find the best established and up-and-coming food and hospitality businesses to join this iconic project.
The expansion of the Adelaide Central Market is due to be completed in 2026 and will create up to 53 new tenancies. The new tenancies will comprise a combination of traditional market-style stalls inspired by the existing Market, kiosks suitable for food, beverage and complementary retail outlets, and perimeter store tenancies offering a more traditional dining, hospitality and retail experience.
Upon completion, the expansion will double the size of the existing Market footprint and increase the total number of tenancies to 123 across 6,760 sqm of lettable retail space with 1000 undercover car parks and projected visitation of 10 million annually.
“We’ve got one of the best markets in the world and this expansion will strengthen our position as a global food and cultural destination, showcasing the outstanding local produce and the fantastic small businesses we have within South Australia,” Adelaide Central Market Authority Chairman Theo Maras said.
“It’s a testament to its heritage and importance to the community that the Market is at the heart of such a significant investment and once-in-a-generation development for the City of Adelaide.”
The expanded Adelaide Central Market, in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD, is part of the $400 million Market Square development being jointly delivered by the City of Adelaide and ICD Property, creating a mixed- use precinct of national significance and new inner-city social and commercial hub.
Above the expanded Market will be 234 boutique apartments, complementary retail and supermarket, nine floors of premium commercial office space, Australia’s first 248-room Treehouse Hotel and an elevated outdoor urban terrace.
Fabienne Reilly, Adelaide Central Market Authority General Manager, said: “the Adelaide Central Market is embarking on an exciting new era that ensures it remains relevant for current and future generations while continuing to celebrate the rich history and vibrant culture for which the Market is renowned.”
“We’re looking for passionate food and beverage businesses that share our commitment to quality, innovation, and community spirit,” Reilly added.
“Applicants will be assessed on criteria aimed at ensuring the Market continues to serve the community and offer more of what our shoppers know and love.”
Under the Market Expansion plans, its original east-west pedestrian access to Victoria Square will be reinstated. New areas will include The Laneway, a north-south connection between Grote and Gouger streets supporting urban culture and art and lined with outdoor dining options, as well as the grand Market Hall designed to be a new meeting place at the heart of the expanded Market and will host pop-ups, activities and events.
The new tenancies will suit a mix of retail categories including:
- Fresh food and produce – traders providing take-home and consumable food products
- Hospitality and catering – specialising in grab-and-go or ‘eat there’ experiences
- Hybrid food offering – a blend between food retail and food catering
- Living and giving – traders that complement food retail and food catering categories
The Adelaide Central Market is currently 100% leased, with Market traders looking forward to the business growth and opportunities the Market Expansion will bring.
“The Market Expansion will bring more of what people already love about the Adelaide Central Market – the food, the people and the community. It’s an Adelaide icon and definitely one of the best markets in the world,” said trader Valerie Henbest, of Smelly Cheese Co.
“The Adelaide Central Market is a truly unique experience,” said Tony O’Connell, of O’Connell’s Meats, whose family has been part of the Market for more than 40 years. “The expansion will only make it better.”
Carla Alemao, of Saudade Portuguese Tarts, said: “My business is thriving at the Market – it’s been a perfect fit since we opened our doors in 2022 and has taken our business to the next level. We’re really excited by the Market expansion and the new business opportunities it will bring.”
The leasing campaign for the ground floor will run in conjunction with ICD Property’s upcoming leasing campaign for level 1 which will include a boutique supermarket along with other service-based retail and food and beverage offerings.
Expressions of Interest closes 31 August. For more information, visit adelaidecentralmarket.com/expansion
