Central city, New on the scene  |  30 Sep 2019

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Christchurch’s new Riverside Market is open for business, promising a feast of food in a unique indoor setting.

Overlooking the Avon River in Oxford Terrace, the seven-day farmers’ market also links to shops, restaurants, cafes and bars.

Described as a “fresh take on inner city life”, the market next to the Bridge of Remembrance focuses on organic local fare and promotes sustainability through minimal packaging and waste.

Investors Mike Percasky, Kris Inglis and Richard Peebles believe that Riverside can be a “world-class inner city food and produce market that rivals those you see in Europe, the United States and across the ditch in Australia”.

“We believe it will provide a unique inner-city experience for locals and visitors to Christchurch.”

Riverside General Manager Mike Fisher describes the market as “a community gathering place, a hive of activity and a celebration of the diversity of Christchurch”.

Recycled materials complement the heritage vibe of the market and lanes, reflecting the history of the city.

Recycled rimu, bricks and ironbark timber, along with salvaged windows, 100-year-old wallpaper and two faces of the heritage clock from the old Moorhouse Avenue railway station are all on show.

The main Farmers Market Hall features more than 60 stalls and food outlets owned and operated by Cantabrians. A huge range of delicious products are on offer, including ready-to-eat, fresh produce, a specialist cheese stall, baked goods, sweet treats, coffee and juices.

The second phase of the Riverside Market will open in early November. It will include restaurants Castro’s, Kaiser Brewery and Midnight Shanghai on level one. 

Retailers in the adjacent lanes will also continue to open over the coming weeks, with Cosmic, Ben and Jerry’s, Otautahi Tattoo, Ramen Ria, Espresso Studio, Hororata Pies, Shopology, The Beehive Collective, Kiwi Originals, She Chocolate, Abobe and Alchemy Equipment all setting up shop. 

The market will have an official grand opening on Saturday.

Find out more about the Riverside Market.