20 October

Fresh Produce Returns to Historic Parnell Site

The Jubilee Building, formerly the Royal Foundation of the Blind at 545 Parnell Road, was opened in 1909. Prior to this the land was a market garden for the Auckland area, growing a variety of fruit and vegetables. It was in fact a strawberry farmer, William Mason, who left a substantial amount of money to the Foundation which enabled the present building to be started.

On 3 November from 8am to 12 noon every Saturday the car park of the Jubilee building will revert to a bustling Farmers Market where growers will gather to sell fresh fruit and vegetables, fabulous produce and of course the launch will coincide with the strawberry season.

Today the Parnell Library shares the building with the Parnell Community Centre. Catherine Parker, Business Manager Community and Venue for the centre is looking forward to the Auckland community coming to share the experience of buying fresh from the grower and taking the chance to connect with neighbours and friends. “The local community centre should be the hub of the community and a Farmers Market is just one more way to get together”.