Saturday, August 7, 2010
Seaport Farmers' Market is open, to huge crowds
New operation in Keith's Brewery building struggles
Posted by Tim Bousquet on Sat, Aug 7, 2010 at 12:57 PM
First, though, some pictures, to give an indication of the size of the crowd:
The layout of the market is sensible, with wide aisles and stairways to the second level (there's also an elevator), and plenty of room for the vendors. It appears that the spaces are fully leased. There's an openness to the market, with very high warehouse ceilings with exposed heating ducts, that is fresh and clean.
Construction is still going on, so some areas in the building are off limits, including the green roof. That might also be why the deck along the waterfront is not being utilized---this would make a great location for tables and chairs, a place for people to eat. I'm really looking forward to seeing how these features reveal themselves.
The water frontage is without question the most valuable part of market, architecturally speaking, and provides a striking backdrop for shopping. There is also an interesting green wall. I don't know if this provides any real environmental benefit, or is just something cool to look at. Either way, it's a worthwhile addition to the building. Now the downsides. First, for a crowd of this size, the washrooms are woefully undersized. There are three stalls and four urinals in the men's room, and there's not a family room, so my visit was interrupted with a father bringing his young daughter pass the men at the urinals. Perhaps the size of the crowds will settle down, and this will be less of an issue.
I was also disappointed to come across just one musician inside the building, and a second on the walkway leading in. There was ample space for musicians, especially upstairs, and I'm hoping that this issue will be addressed quickly. Maybe they were all at the buskers fair?
The biggest downside, though, is the street side. I realize this is an old warehouse, and there was going to need to be space for delivery trucks and handicapped parking, but it's really unfortunate that the entire frontage of the building is a parking lot. I would've liked to have seen broad stretches of green extending out to the road, with picnic tables, play equipment, maybe a small stage or two for those musicians. There's certainly a demand for it---today, lots of people were cramming themselves into a metre-wide strip of grass between parking areas.
Not that parking isn't needed, but there are lots nearby---today, people directing traffic were funnelling cars into the Westin lot, which must surely be a one-day arrangement, but there's also the expansive Cunard lots, and others around Pier 21. Were I to drive (but why would I?) I would've parked up on Barrington or beyond and walked down, to avoid the clogged streets, but hundreds, if not thousands, of drivers (most one to a car) thought they could drive right up to the front door of the market.
Parking is one of those delusional issues---it literally makes people temporarily insane. I would've liked the farmers' market to address it head-on; instead, they've created a crazed driver-innocent pedestrian interface into the future.
Relatedly, the absolute biggest FAIL of the market is that there are no bike racks whatsoever, and as a result hundreds of bikes locked to fences, trees and anything else that would suffice.
A reader tells me that bike racks have arrived, but haven't yet been installed, but this still strikes me as a major screwup. The racks should've been ordered in time for opening, and they should've been placed in the parking lot, where cars are now.
It's possible the front of the building will be cleaned up considerably---right now there's a construction fence blocking most of it. It should be made much, much more welcoming to pedestrians and bicyclists, and much less so to cars. For the present, it's a huge mess.
Those issues aside, it's more than obvious that people are enthusiastically welcoming the Seaport Market. This is good, in and of itself, but also because the project came in significantly over budget, and is reportedly being financed through a loan with 16 percent annual interest charges. If even a quarter of today's crowd comes every week to the market, there won't be any question about it surviving financially.
Halifax Historic Market
After leaving the Seaport Market, I walked over to the Keith's Brewery building and checked out the new farmers' market that is attempting to make a run of it in the old space.
As I understand it, part of the schism in the Halifax Farmers' Market was caused because the Port of Halifax, on whose land Seaport sits, insisted that the Seaport Market be open at least three days a week. (I've been playing phone tag with the port this week to get the full story, and as soon as I do, I'll post it here.) But three days a week was simply too much for many of the smaller farm operations and crafts people, who would have to hire someone to either pick or to work the market. These sellers opted instead to stay where they are.
I thought there would be considerable customer loyalty to these farmers, especially on the first day of operation---and certainly many people said they'd go to both markets, and would support both markets into the future. But, evidently, there aren't significant numbers of such people. The brewery building was woefully, almost frighteningly, depopulated. Press releases had bragged of "90+" vendors signing up the venture, but there were certainly not that many present today. I didn't count them, but I'd be surprised if it was half that number. Customer numbers were likewise alarmingly small.
Compare the pictures below to the pictures I took last week, and you'll understand just how bleak the prospect of success looks.
I don't know---maybe this too will work itself out as the lure of the shiny new Seaport Market fades a bit. But the Halifax Historic Market operation, and those who support it, have to do something big, and quickly so, if they're going to make it work.
Survey Asks
Do you agree with Halifax's school board cutting 152 teachers?
Comments (17)
Showing 1-17 of 17
The market was built to double the capacity of the old market. As it turns out, is is seeing five times the traffic of the Brewery location. That's not a problem, it's an overwhelming vote for the new Seaport Market. Some vendors are selling ten times the amount of produce they used to! More people means more healthy, local eating and a healthier city. It also means a better rural economy and more support for family farming in Nova Scotia.
Congratulations to all involved.
like
dislike
The new market is, in my opinion, a total failure. The layout of the new building simply worsens the crowd issues experienced by the old market. The upstairs was merely a retreat from the insanity down below - totally useless. When I went to make a purchase, it became a yelling match; whoever yelled loudest got the product. No organization or consideration of the line up. After fifteen minutes I gave up and left, and I doubt I will return.
I've been watching the debate regarding the new and old Farmers Markets with great interest. I live in Wolfville (we have a great Farmer's Market, check it out), work in Halifax, on Marginal Road, just a few steps away from the new Seaport Farmers Market (don't worry I carpool, take public transit and walk to work). I have lived in Ottawa, too young to enjoy the ByWard Market, and it really is a whole other world. I lived in Saint John, spent many a lunch hour at the City Market there. I've spent many Saturdays at the Annapolis Royal, two Moncton markets (yes two, and they both do quite well) and Fredericton Market.
All these markets have different venues, different feels, some are open every day, some just on Saturdays. Some have their own buildings, encompass a few city blocks, or take over the library parking lot. While my husband feels that the Fredericton Market is the BEST, I would say that they all have their own charms. No I don't like the made in China goods for sale in the Saint John City Market, but the fact that I can see the same guy behind the cheese counter every time I visit, or the same woman painting scenes of that port city gives me great pleasure. I'm not a fan of the move of the Wolfville Farmers Market to the Acadia Student Union Building each winter, feels so much like a mall to me, but I love the people I see there, and the root vegetables I can take home for warm soups, and the wonderful treasures I can find for my new niece. I will endure until spring or until the new Wolfville Farmers Market building becomes a reality.
I have visited the Brewery Market many times over the years. Yes crowded, I never quite know if I've caught all the vendors, but I try. I have also been watching the progress of the new Seaport Farmers Market space as I walk to work, or head out for a quick bite to eat. In fact, I've watched the development of this part of town, the seawall, the Centre for Craft and Design, Garrison Brewery, Mary E. Black Gallery, Cruiseship Pavilion, Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Nova Scotia Power building, artists studios, Pier 21, Java Cafe, Cunard Event Centre, Cultural Federation offices, many architects, consultants, business offices since I first started working on Marginal Road.
Back in 2003 you wouldn't have caught me walking in this part of town, particularly after dark. The only thing down here were Pier 21, the Cultural Federations of NS, artists studios and I believe the police had an office where Garrison is now. So much has changed. There is life here. I am excited to walk in this area in the day or even in the evening because there are people everywhere, locals and tourists, business people and artists, students, dogs, and even one lady who has her cat in a stroller (this was quite a shock the first time I saw it).
As you may have guessed I love people, I love my communities, and I consider all the Maritime provinces and their various nooks and crannies part of my community. I have the best of all worlds, living in the Gaspereau Valley outside Wolfville, traveling on the ferry, and walking to my place of work on Marginal Road. I could not be more excited to have the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market next door, I can't wait to stroll over for lunch, and perhaps one day host an event on the roof, or bring a group of visitors for a tour. I'll also tell those visitors and anyone I meet that they should also visit the Historic Halifax Market, because it is in fabulous historic building just 487m from this fabulous new green facility.
Did you catch that last line? I'll repeat it, 487m. If I knew how to bold and increase font size I would, because I'd like to holler that part out. The new Seaport Market is only 487m from the doors to the Historic Market. According to my watch it takes me 5 minutes to make that walk if I'm in a lazy mood, enjoying the scenery etc, and that is in the winter. For those who MUST take your car down to Marginal Road, don't forget you can enter the area via Lower Water Street, come down by the Westin, or take the back way from Point Pleasant Park. With the exception of those of you with mobility issues, everyone who has mentioned how far away the new space is needs to take a deep breath, put on your favourite pair of shoes, and get out and see your city.
Julie Rosvall
Wolfville, NS
(and during the day, Marginal Road, Halifax, NS, just 77m from the new Seaport Farmers Market, and 487m give or take from the Historic Halifax Market)
The Seaport Farmers Market is amazing and lots of people will go there weekly, very impressive. Lots of great food, wonderful produce and people. This has to be one of the best things ever in Halifax!
Great article and fantastic pics (that I've shared on fb) Loved the new Seaport Market...my disappointment was the wait and line up for parking and especially a place to sit and have coffee with the mother-in-love and friends. It would be fab to have coffee outside on the boardwalk or stools on the second floor to sit and watch the market action. Loved the living wall and cant' wait to see the top deck. Looking forward to exploring each weekend! Way to go Haliland!
It was a thrilling opening of a beautiful new market.
The crowds reflected the curiosity of the reveal and will likely subside. We Haligonians should be proud of our new facility and - more importantly - of our willingness to be progressive. Can't wait for next Saturday morning.
I went to the historic market first, where I did most of my shopping, and then went to the new market mostly out of curiosity (and for the dutchman's cheese).
The old market was easy to get around, the new market was impossible to be in--way to busy with market tourists, many of whom were not patronizing the farmers for whom the market ostensibly exists. You simply could not move around. It was far more difficult to navigate than the old building.
Personally I take the huge crowds at the new building and sparse attendance at the old building as an opening-day anomaly. But if next week is anything like today, I reckon more and more people will choose the sanity of a less-crowded historic market over the harbour vistas of the new building. Things will even out.
Did anyone really expect the Brewery Market to be completely filled with vendors on Day 1? It is unfortunate that your photos were deliberately taken of empty spaces instead of the vendors. the editor of this publication has been very pro-seaport all along, so this is what I expected, but it would have been nice to have some positive coverage for both markets. I was at both and around 10:30 there were a lot of people actually buying things at the 'old" market and complaining about the crowds of gawkers at the seaport who weren't shopping. Crowds don't equal sales. That won't sustain anybody.
For now (at least until they see what's going to happen with the Historic Farmers Market and until the building's actually completed) vendors from both markets have told me the Seaport market is going to match the Historic market's hours. Once loyalties are clear and restaurants open 7-1 is it.
I appreciate the fact there's a high level of curiosity leading to a higher volume of people at the new location, but for all the money spent on design and the selling point of better traffic flow I felt the same, or greater, urge to smack the people chatting in the middle of aisles and cattle-prod the product fondlers, and I have a feeling that once the gawkers are gone the traffic flow's not going to get any better.
The thinning of the crowds will really show when the 'free parking' period is over & the parking meters that are part of the plan suddenly appear.
For now (at least until they see what's going to happen with the Historic Farmers Market and until the building's actually completed) vendors from both markets have told me the Seaport market is going to match the Historic market's hours. Once loyalties are clear and restaurants open 7-1 is it.
I appreciate the fact there's a high level of curiosity leading to a higher volume of people at the new location, but for all the money spent on design and the selling point of better traffic flow I felt the same, or greater, urge to smack the people chatting in the middle of aisles and cattle-prod the product fondlers, and I have a feeling that once the gawkers are gone the traffic flow's not going to get any better.
The thinning of the crowds will really show when the 'free parking' period is over & the parking meters that are part of the plan suddenly appear.
I went to both markets today as well- There were 3 musicians in the new one for sure...but they WERE tucked away a bit. My brother was on the building crew for the new market and he worked overnight to make it ready to open...and it clearly wasn't. Haha.
I think it'll all work out fine in the end...it was nice to finally stop and talk to vendors that were previously stuck where the lines were for Sweet William's, etc. Lots more people were actually watching the musicians too- not being pushed past them.
New market was truthfully prolly a month or more away from being ready to open but was forced to go early. Amazing start, hope it does well long term. I'll wait until it is closer to finished and the crowds thin out.
dubstf-- I've been told conflicting hours. Either 7-1 or 8-4, depending on who I talked to. And only on Saturdays, for a few weeks, then 3-days-a-week. I'll post actual hours, as soon as I know them for sure.
Guides
- Home |
- Dating |
- Bitch |
- News |
- Music |
- Movies |
- Dining |
- Arts |
- Opinion |
-
Best Of
| - Halifax Free Classifieds |
- Jobs |
- Housing |
- For Sale |
- Classes |
- Bulletin Board |
- Health, Beauty |
- Services |
- Real Estate |
- Wanted
- About Us |
- Our Staff |
- Contact Us |
- Advertise |
- Work With Us |
- Send us a Tip |
- Privacy Policy |
- Comments Policy |
-
RSS Feeds
|
- Archives
