An experiential indoor market unlike any other in Western Australia will open in Busselton in Spring 2021.
Ground-breaking at the Origins Market site took place yesterday (Wednesday 1 July) and developers have now commenced site works on this exciting and innovative project designed to have great appeal for both tourists and locals.
Landowner and project developer Allan Erceg of Erceg Management said his vision was to leave a legacy for the south west, as he has achieved with his previous passion project - Mandoon Estate in the Swan Valley.
“This is a significant investment for our business and we are committed to providing a long-term opportunity for growers, artists and creators in the south west to showcase their produce and talent,” he said.
“Origins Market will be an incubator for emerging creatives and businesses that define the region, and will provide a place to celebrate all that’s great about the region, a place for both locals and visitors to engage with the region’s farmers, producers, winemakers, artisans, and creators – all under one roof so it can be a year-round offering.
“Our intent is to encourage and grow local capacity, regional development and provide local employment opportunities,” he said.
“Busselton is experiencing a steady population increase, particularly in young families and working professionals. When the new airport is operating as a gateway to Margaret River and beyond, we’ll see further growth in tourist numbers and Origins Market will showcase a taste of what this region has to offer.
“With the Busselton foreshore redevelopment and the new BEACH arts centre, Origins Market will provide a further reason for visitors to enjoy Busselton and create an opportunity for growth across all businesses in the town,” Mr Erceg said.
Erceg Management is developing the entire 80,000sqm Busselton Power Centre site on West Street and has already invested $50m into the site and plans to invest a further $50m in the future to provide commercial, leisure and retail spaces for Busselton.
An estimated 250 people will be employed during the construction phase of the development and an additional 200 when Origins Market is open.
Adjacent positioning to Busselton’s ALDI and K-Mart stores will guarantee steady visitation to Origins Market and will provide an alternative eco-conscious retail and entertainment experience.
In addition to more than 100 stalls showcasing local produce and creations, Origins will include a microbrewing, distilling, tastings, long-table dining, demonstrations, edible gardens and more.
Joining Mr Erceg at the Origins Market ground-breaking were Busselton Mayor Grant Henley and Pibulmun Wadandi Yanungiarli Elder South West WA Wayne Webb, who shared stories of the site and gave his blessing to Origins Market on behalf of the Wadandi people.
Mr Webb grew up on country and spent many days as a child in the Busselton Wetlands, which are a natural neighbour to the site and will be weaved into the Origins concept.
Also attending were renowned local artists Sandra Hill, Ian Mutch and Alan Meyburgh. Art will be an intrinsic part of the development program, bringing stories of the region to life.
To find out more about becoming a partner, sponsor or vendor, contact Louise Cashmore, 0451 828 106, or louise@originsmarket.com.au.
For more information about Origins Market, visit www.originsmarket.com.au