William Charlick forms company to develop modern New Market in Adelaide city's east end, opened in May 1904
Directors in 1903 (from left) William James, Joseph Vardon, William Charlick, Charles Richardson, Thomas Brooker and A.T. Magareyof Adelaide Fruit and Produce Exchange Co. Ltd behind the "New Market" m developed on the northern side (at right) of Rundle Street, Adelaide city, also pictured that year. Note the Exeter Hotel at far left.
Inset image courtesy State Library of South Australia
William Charlick, who'd founded William Charlick and Co.(a fruit, potato and grocery business) at Adelaide’s east end in 1881, recognised the need in 1900 for more space at Richard Vaughan’s produce market on the northern side of Rundle Street and East Terrace in Adelaide city.
With the Vaughan's East End Market at full occupancy, the overflow still blocked East Terrace on market days.
Charlick bought land on the southern side of Rundle Street extending through to East Terrace, Grenfell Street and Union Street. This had been occupied by Peacock’s Tannery, an Adelaide institution for decades, as well as "The Rookery", a street of poorly-built and poorly-maintained housing.
Charlick began negotiating with Vaughan’s East End Market Co. Ltd to extend its site. These negotiations failed, so Charlick decided to build his own new modern Adelaide Fruit and Produce Exchange. With the support of growers, merchants and Adelaide council, the South Australian parliament passed an Act empowering Charlick to start a market not exceeding four acres, to be completed by 1908, with the council having the option to take over the market (at its then value) in the future. This option was never taken up.
Adelaide Fruit and Produce Co. Ltd was quickly formed with a capital of £40,000 and Charlick as chairman and Thomas Booker as secretary. The market opened in May 1904. It continued to expand and, by 1910, had 390 growers’ stands with space for their vehicles and team, 20 large packing sheds, a refreshment room and a blacksmith. Nearly four acres were developed at a cost of £52,300.
The market was described as “ the best of its character in Australia – lofty, well ventilated, wide roads, no obstacles, automatically drained and kept wonderfully clean.” This became known as the New Market and Vaughan’s original venture as the Old Market.