A street-based fresh produce market could be operating in the central city by spring, following a decision by the Christchurch City Council.

The Council and Central City Mayoral Forum have continued to be interested in the idea of a weekend produce market following a market trial at the Arts Centre two years ago.

The Forum believes a produce market has the potential to help with central city revitalisation. It favours private enterprise involvement.

At its 23 May meeting the Council voted to support a scheme proposed by private company Christchurch Market Ltd.

The company has considered several locations for the market but prefers the stretch of Cambridge Terrace between Colombo and Manchester Streets. That choice is in line with the Forum’s principle of focusing on the eastern side of the central city.

Councillors at the 23 May meeting heard that staff would be talking to people and groups with an interest in the site and the scheme, including a representative of the market which operates at the Arts Centre.