Hay St Market: New Flavour in the City
After more than three years in the making, Hay St Market has opened its doors in the heart of Haymarket, bringing food, culture and community together under one roof.
It’s more than just a place to grab a bite. Spanning 3,000 square metres inside Paddy’s Markets, the space is home to over 48 traders serving up flavours from around the world. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, stocking up on deli goods, or settling in for a drink at one of the bars, it’s got options. Plenty of them.
It’s a fresh chapter for the precinct. It’s creating jobs, drawing new foot traffic, and turning this part of the city into a proper food and drink destination. By the time I finally decided what to eat on opening day, the stall I’d been eyeing had already sold out. Lesson learned: don’t hesitate when there’s good food involved.
I was there on opening day to capture the atmosphere. It was packed, loud, and full of energy. A few days later, I returned to shoot the space again, this time with the market completely empty. Having the whole place to myself gave me the chance to capture a very different side of it. The quiet details, clean lines, and that morning light filtering through an otherwise busy space.
Key Facts & Figures
- $20 million to build
- 3,000 sqm in size
- 48+ stalls and traders
- 25+ global cuisines
- 3 bars
- 300+ local jobs created
- Open seven days, from early to late (depending on the time of year)
- Fully licensed — you can drink while you shop
