“The construction of massive Westfield shopping centres at either end of the strip and online shopping [have] hurt its retailers. The lockouts and lockdowns hurt its bars and clubs, and the clearway created fast-flowing, noisy through-traffic, which hurt its streetfront amenity,” she said.
“The City of Sydney is entirely committed to the revitalisation of Oxford Street and the stars are really aligning to see the famous strip reach its full potential.”
Moore said the longer-term vision for Oxford Street was “slowed traffic, improved pedestrian activity and cycling, more and better public spaces”.
Eme Gray, a Paddington resident who often uses Taylor Square North’s public seating, welcomes the new markets.Credit: Kayla Olaya
Eme Gray, a Paddington resident who frequently uses the public chairs in Taylor Square North, said the markets, which will each include 41 stalls and live music, would suit the community.
“This is really great because it’s very handy for the local people,” she said. “We [will] come here to do some shopping.”
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The council wanted a community market operator that would “provide a curated offering with a point of difference” as part of a 20-year sustainability plan.
Organic Food Markets director Amanda Choularton said the markets had been a years-long goal of many businesses and stakeholders.
“What we’ve really learnt through operating markets for the last 30 years in Sydney and NSW is that markets [are] the place where community thrives, you facilitate commerce, and you also facilitate connection,” she said.
“There is this coming together of businesses and organisations from across Oxford Street, be that the Oxford Hotel, the Rainbow Precinct, Qtopia, the Darlinghurst Business Partnership … there have been people who’ve been working towards this goal for a really long time.”
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