Former Eastland open-air market to reopen in new location Saturday

CHARLOTTE — The Central Market, formerly the Eastland open-air market, has secured a location and will reopen on Saturday, organizers announced.

After close to a year, organizers said they are excited to reopen “El Mercadito” in its new location: 1720 Galleria Boulevard.

PREVIOUS: Eastland open-air market ordered to close after lease expiration and vendor arrest

The vendors used to set up on the old Eastland Mall property on Central Avenue, but they were forced off the site on Feb. 11. Since then, dozens of people have called on the city council to help them find a new place to set up.

In July, Charlotte City Councilman Tariq Bokhari, alongside other Republicans running for city council, said that a lot near First Ward Park had been temporarily donated to help give vendors a chance to make some money.

As was mentioned, the land was donated, but vendors will have to pay a $10 rental fee.

Organizers are still talking to #CLTCC about financial support. Gates will be open for vendor setup starting at 6am on Sat. The market will remain open until 6pm Sunday evening, and is planned to operate every weekend on Saturdays and Sundays moving forward
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) November 15, 2022

Organizers said the market’s vendors came together to form the Central Market Association in hopes of reuniting their open-air market family.

Central Market organizers thanked councilmember Tariq Bokhari for finding it, council candidate Charlie Mulligan for brokering and developer Daniel Levine for providing the new location.

PREVIOUS: Vendors from old Eastland Mall site remain in limbo as city leaders look for permanent location

“Since the City of Charlotte shut down their prior location, the Central Market vendors have been working hard to secure a new place and get back to work. Thanks to their hard work and determination, they secured commitments from city officials to not only find land, but to assist the Central Market financially,” said Action NC organizer and Central Market Board Member Héctor Vaca. “Thanks to efforts by Councilmember Bokhari, the vendors now have a place to work. It is now time for the City of Charlotte to honor its other commitment of financial support. Negotiations are still ongoing on that front.”

The market on Galleria Boulevard will open at 9 a.m. this Saturday. It will remain open until 6 p.m. Sunday evening, and will operate every weekend on Saturdays and Sundays. Click here for more information.

(WATCH BELOW: Donated land becomes new home for Eastland market)