Fougere Menchenton Architecture will be the architectural force behind the new St. John’s Farmers’ Market space, set to open in the former Metrobus Station on Freshwater Road in 2018, with construction starting in 2017.

It will be a combination of vendor stalls, cafe space, kitchen space, community engagement area, workshop/event rental space, outdoor vending space, and home to the St. John’s Farmers’ Market.

“The facility is envisioned as a vibrant community space that will enable aspiring and existing entrepreneurs in various industries to grow their businesses,” said Councillor Tom Hann.

Farmers’ Market Chair Josh Smee says they’ve spent the last 2 years gathering ideas for the space, “from our colleagues at markets across Canada, our vendors, and our customers,” that that they’re confident “this is going to be an incredible asset to the community.”.

Funding for the construction of new community market is being cost-shared with the City contributing $2 million through its capital budget, $1.17 million from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and $490,000 is from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development (BTCRD). The St. John’s Farmers’ Market Cooperative will operate the facility and have also contributed $100,000 towards the project, $50,000 of which is from AVIVA Community Fund.