Civic Homespun Market started as a small mustard seed of an idea between a few young mums over a coffee one morning.  It was a "we make these products, wouldn't it be great if we could sell them somewhere..." moment.

After further discussion, the dream was for a market specialising in handmade and locally produced items.  The items would be special, wonderfully homemade pieces for locals to purchase or a one off, remembrance of Tasmania for tourists to take home.

It was such a simple idea.  Or so we thought.

A plan was hatched.  A location was decided upon, the beautiful public grounds at Civic Square.  A Business Plan was written and the local council approached.  After a few months the proposal was put forward at a council meeting.

A decision could not be made on the proposed location of the market.  A unanimous decision was required for the approval of Civic Square and a 5 for/7 against vote was nowhere near where it needed to be.  The other markets in Launceston were on the minds of the aldermen and a study was to be commissioned into the economic and social viability of another market in Launceston.

Time was ticking and if our market was to begin operation in November to take advantage of the Christmas trade, we had to find another avenue to get around this council decision.

We decided that we would look for an inner city private property to lease instead.  A unanimous decision was not required for a private property and surely we could get the aldermen to agree to a 6 month trial.  A planning proposal was submitted to council and it was finally approved after some small hiccups.  We had just 2 weeks to fully prepare ourselves for the opening market day!

We are now well into our second year of trading.  We've learned so much and still have so much to learn!  Our little market is growing and evolving and its so exciting.

Our stallholders come on a casual basis which means that each week we look different.  So if you're in town on one of our trading days, pop in and have a look at our gorgeous handiwork and specialty foods.

See you at our next market day!