Roderick Smith
Caribbean gardens market Scoresby: Chairlift, trains up for sale. Kimberley Seedy May 17, 2021 Knox Leader
The community was devastated when Scoresby’s Caribbean Gardens and Market closed, but some popular attractions could be making a comeback.
Caribbean Gardens train.
Some of Caribbean Gardens and Market’s historic rides could come to life again, with two popular trains and a chairlift for sale.
The owners of the popular market, which shut in 2020 after 55 years of operation, have listed the items for sale online, through an expression of interest process.
According to the market website, the owners want the “train and chairlift to be removed from Caribbean Gardens grounds and relocated to a place that can utilise the equipment”.
The Caribbean Gardens chairlift is for sale.
Caribbean Gardens acquired the rides in 1970, with the chairlift relocated from Whistle Stop Amusement Park in Frankston.
The trains have 11 carriages each, with 3.2kms of railway also up for grabs.
The operational chairlift, which stretches 306m one-way, includes 32 double chairs.
According to the website listing, the ride has been regularly maintained and crack tested.
It includes five towers, plus the start and finish towers, along with the 14 tonne counterweight.
The future of the site is still unclear, with many community members desperate to see it reopen to the public.
Former customers flooded the market’s Facebook page earlier in the year, calling for the market to make a comeback, or for some of the site to reopen.
Many families have fond memories of visiting Caribbean Gardens and Market over its 55 years of operation.
Many wanted to see the public given access to the lake, garden and playgrounds at the privately-owned site.
Suzy Strati said she understood why the market had to close.
“However, all the rides that everyone’s kids loved should be available. Also the Japanese gardens, boat cruises, etc. Why not turn it into a mini adventure theme park. Keep some of it alive,” she said.
Established in the 1970s, Caribbean Market welcomed more than 40 million visitors during its 55 years of operation.
COVID-19 forced the suspension of the market for the first time in its history.
“Unfortunately, as a privately-run market under the current circumstances it is unviable to reopen,” the market’s website states.
“The property has been nurtured for three generations by the Spooner family and continues to be masterplanned as a community precinct.”
More Coverage
Community push for access to beloved market site
Thousands of punters want iconic market saved
<www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/outer-east/caribbean-gardens-market-scoresby-chairlift-trains-up-for-sale/news-story/214d2157eeab4a7a48c9da721ea03ae3>
* How long before the site is carved up for housing.
* No doubt they will have a hefty price tag. Would be cheaper to start from new.
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