Riverside Market turns 5: leading the revival of Christchurch’s city centre

Sunday, 29 September 2024

Riverside Market is 100 businesses, seven days a week, 10,000 visitors a day, a third of a city block, and has just turned five years old.

Riverside Market was buzzing with excitement as it celebrated five years of success.

With 1000 cupcakes for kids to decorate, balloons, and face painting by Tinkerbell fairies, along with fun rides on the Peace Train and the sounds of upbeat jazz, the market drew in the crowds on Saturday for its fifth birthday.

The Qiao Yi Hong De lion dancers performed, bringing blessings and good luck to everyone present as hundreds of locals and tourists enjoyed the vibrant laneway atmosphere and the diverse array of global cuisine.

Five years ago, Riverside Market opened its doors, bringing a heartbeat back to the city. More than just a place to grab a tasty meal, it has become a bustling community hub.

Ada, 4, receives a heart-shaped balloon from the Strawberry Fairy as Riverside Market celebrates its 5th birthday.

Co-owner Richard Peebles reflected on the journey that brought the vibrant space to life. “We always envisioned creating a local market in the heart of the CBD, and seeing it evolve has truly exceeded our expectations,” Peebles said.

The journey hasn’t been without challenges, particularly the impact of Covid-19 shortly after the market opened.

Riverside Market co-owner Mike Percasky, his daughter Zara Percasky, co-owner Richard Peebles and general manager Rachel Gould with Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger as he cuts the cake to celebrate the market’s 5th birthday.

“We started off strong, with people flocking to the market, but then the pandemic hit. It was tough, but we supported our tenants and bounced back,” Peebles said.

Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger said he’s 'over the moon' Riverside was built, calling it a key part of giving the city a 'mini-Melbourne' vibe.

Venu Jarugula, owner of Dosa Kitchen, hopes to sell 300 dosas as Riverside Market celebrates its 5th birthday.

'It's not just a spot for a great meal — it's become a vibrant community hub that brings together people from all cultures, ages, and walks of life,' Mauger said.

Victor Lim, manager at Little Fish Co on Riverside Market’s 5th birthday.

Time magazine’s World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2021 list included Riverside as a Christchurch highlight.

Venu Jarugula, owner of Dosa Kitchen, said his dosa spot has doubled in size over the past five years, with customers “definitely more than tripling”.

'Moving to Riverside was one of the best decisions I've ever made,' Jarugula said. “We’ve been here on day one. They [market managers] are so supportive to local vendors like us.”

Rebecca Nicholson, at Sweet Revenge, says the business is busier than usual as Riverside Market celebrates its 5th birthday.

Little Fish Co manager Victor Lim said they had their own boat docked in Lyttleton, bringing the freshest catch of the day straight to the stall.

“Once the fish arrives, it’s cooked fresh at the fish and chips spot right next to us. We’ve had praise from guests all over the world, from Australia, the US and Asia.”

Rebecca Nicholson from Sweet Revenge said Saturday was “busier than usual,” thanks to the birthday celebrations.

'Everyone wants a slice of cake,' she said, 'But the top pick has to be the birthday cake made by my boss for the Riverside Market.'

Riverside Market has about 100 businesses and welcomes 10,000 visitors a day.

Riverside Market has about 100 businesses and welcomes 10,000 visitors per day. About 80% of the businesses are there from Day One.

Peebles said about 80% of those were there from the beginning.

“Hardly anyone leaves, and we have plenty more wanting to join. But we don’t really want to double up — if you’ve got something truly unique, that’s something not in the market, come and talk to us.”

Peebles highlighted the market’s heritage touches, such as the clock from Moorhouse Avenue Railway Station, a Christchurch icon completed in 1960, and the timber from Lyttelton's old wharf used to build the stalls.

Riverside Market’s outdoor tables are popular during the day and well into the evening.

“When we opened, it already felt like it had been here for 50 years,” Peebles said. 'It really has a lived-in, homely feel.'

The clock became a time stamp marking the moment of Christchurch's first big earthquake, freezing at 4.36am on September 4, 2010, before it was restored and installed above the stage area on Riverside's second floor.

Riverside Market’s story began in 2017 when founders Richard Peebles, Mike Percasky, and Kris Inglis recognised that Christchurch needed a vibrant food market, drawing inspiration from their travels abroad.

“Kris got the idea from a market in the heart of Copenhagen, and we mixed in some ideas from Melbourne’s markets too,” Peebles said.

With markets making a strong comeback in city centres, Peebles emphasised Riverside’s role in revitalising the CBD.

“It’s all about local, small businesses, and the unique flavours and cultures they bring together.”

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