Milestone for market

By Bridget Cook
A MILESTONE in the Dandenong market redevelopment was celebrated on Saturday with the official opening of the general merchandise hall.
It is believed between 15,000 to 20,000 customers visited the market for the opening, and trading hours were extended until 3.30pm due to popular demand.
Greater Dandenong mayor Pinar Yesil officially opened the general merchandise hall, part of the $26 million redevelopment, and launched the new logo.
“The general merchandise hall is an amazing structure, and a key milestone in the overall redevelopment of the market,” she said.
Marketing manager Penny Courtie said the opening was a huge success.
Robert “Dipper” DiPierdomenico was the MC for the event, the Mix 101.1 Bachelors were there engaging customers in market place challenges to win great prizes and entertainment, giveaways and the opportunity to win prizes and shopping vouchers.
Ms Courtie said the general merchandise hall offered customers a fabulous range of clothing, footwear, accessories, homewares, pet supplies and souvenirs.
“Our new market square and food court area offer customers a central place to meet and soak up the market atmosphere,” she said.
The new produce hall is due to open in February and the new meat, fish and deli area is due to be completed in April 2010.
The shops in the old general merchandise hall are still trading.
The existing fruit and veg area will be refurbished after Australia Day.
A grand opening for the completed market is scheduled for next year once all areas of the redevelopment have been completed.