At its meeting on Monday 23 June 2025, Willoughby City Council resolved to reject the previously proposed $592 (for freshly cooked onsite Food retailers) and $224 (for non-food and prepacked food retailers) premium stall fee for Chatswood Mall Market and resolved to adopt a uniform stall fee of $426 (for freshly cooked onsite food retailers) and $161 (for non-food and prepacked food retailers) for the 2025/26 financial year.
The decision follows strong engagement with stallholders, including written submissions, in-person discussions, and contributions made during Council’s recent Open and Public Forum.
“We heard the community loud and clear,” said Mayor Tanya Taylor. “This decision reflects Council’s commitment to fairness, transparency and the long-term success of the Chatswood Mall Market.”
Council also reiterated its commitment to ongoing engagement with:
- Existing stallholders,
- Stallholders on the waitlist, and
- Surrounding businesses potentially affected by market operations.
This includes working collaboratively before implementing any future changes, such as relocating stallholders or introducing new stalls in front of existing shops.
“We’re committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the market remains vibrant, equitable, and beneficial to traders, local businesses, and the wider community,” said Mayor Tanya Taylor.
Council had previously circulated a draft proposal that included a new “premium location” stall fee of $592. This sparked significant feedback from stallholders, who raised concerns about consultation, fairness, transparency, infrastructure, and the market’s future direction.
Following this, the Mayor, General Manager and Council Officers met with stallholders to hear concerns first-hand. Councillors also received direct communication and made site visits to better understand the issues.
Council thanks all stallholders and members of the community who contributed to this consultation process.
“We value the cultural and economic contribution our stallholders make,” Mayor Taylor said. “This outcome is a direct result of that feedback, and we look forward to continuing to work together on the future of the Chatswood Mall Market.”
Contact details:
Media at Willoughby City Council
E: [email protected]
M: 0459 915 293
