Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) officials said at a closed-door meeting yesterday that the Taipa Municipal Market’s “Gastronomy + Culture and Creativity Zone”, which was officially inaugurated on December 16, now attracts about 7,500 visitors daily exploring and spending in the zone, representing a 4.6-fold increase in footfall compared to before the renovation.
The officials made the remarks during a closed-door meeting with members of the Taipa and Coloane Community Service Consultative Council at the Seac Pai Van Community Complex (石排灣社區綜合大樓) in Coloane yesterday.
Briefing reporters after yesterday’s closed-door meeting, Leong Chon Kit, deputy convenor of the government-appointed council, noted that nearly three weeks after the zone’s opening, operations have been running smoothly, with bustling visitor traffic particularly on holidays.
Leong said that the zone is located on the first floor and the rooftop terrace of the market, adding that the first floor comprises 19 stalls offering traditional snacks, international cuisine, also cultural and creative products, along with an indoor dining area, offering traditional snacks, Chinese pastries as well as cultural and creative products. Besides, a coffee and tea stall with an outdoor dining space is housed on the rooftop, offering western-style light meals.
Leong added that the ground floor still has traditional, fresh food and general merchandise stalls, pointing out that the market has been enhanced with improved facilities, an upgraded exterior, optimised stall layouts, and the addition of Portuguese-inspired design aspects and signage, creating a “fresh new image”.
Meanwhile, fellow council member Leung Sio Kei pointed out that 20 stalls in the zone were allocated through a public tender, which received 437 applications. Successful bidders, all selected based on five criteria including operational strategy and experience, are middle-aged and young locals, and most stall owners have partnered with local cultural and creative brands to introduce innovative products and enhance the consumer experience. All 20 stalls are currently operating, Leong said.
Consumers visit the new zone of the Taipa Municipal Market last month. – Photo: Tony Wong
