New road closure arrangements for Frankton Market

A way forward has been reached in the ongoing issue of how and when the weekly Frankton Market operates, after a decision today by Hamilton City Council.

The weekly market has traditionally operated under a Local Government Act schedule allowing closure of one road – Commerce Street, from Lake Road to High Street – every Saturday morning.

Frankton retailer Forlongs voiced concern over that historic road closure.

Frankton Business Association subsequently applied to Council for three revised road closures, which Council’s General Manager City Infrastructure Chris Allen says will cover three different time periods.

The new arrangements cover the next 12 months, and vary depending on the time of year to meet legislative requirements stipulating a road can only be closed for a total of 31 aggregate days a year.
The new arrangements are:

• From 22 September to 9 February: Closure of Commerce Street between Lake Road and Kent Street, plus Keddell Street between Commerce Street and 20 metres to the south.
• From 16 February to 20 April 2013: Closure of Commerce Street between Lake Road and High Street, plus Keddell Street between Commerce Street and 20 metres to the south, and Kent Street either side of Commerce Street.
• From 27 April 2013 to 14 September 2013: Closure of Commerce Street between Kent Street and High Street.

 

The closures will be in effect from 8.30am to 2.30pm.

Commenting, Mr Allen says: “These new arrangements allow Frankton Market to continue to operate, with some lay-out changes at varying times of the year.”

The decision was passed by a majority vote - 7-5 - in favour of approving the closures.