It is hoped Shotover Markets will open before the start of the Rugby World Cup, and offer between 20 and 30 stallholders downtown foot-traffic without paying downtown rent, entrepreneur and part-time chef David Thomson said.
Mr Thompson, and business partner, Paul Clark, are both expat Kiwis who moved to Queenstown this year, after spending time in England and Germany, respectively.
Mr Thomson said they hoped to recreate the hustle and bustle" of Sydney's Pitt St Market, and others the men had seen during their travels.
With stall leases starting from $200 a week, Mr Thomson said it offered opportunities for many small businesses that would otherwise not be able to operate in the central business district.
"I was just talking to one of the jewellers, and she's only got a small stand and can't afford $1000 a week, but still wants the foot traffic," Mr Thomson said.
He added that the Earnslaw Park market was limited, in that it only ran for five hours once a week.
It was planned to have the market open from 9am until 9pm. The 260sq m space on the floor of the Forsyth Barr building could hold up to 30 stalls and 10 parties had already registered their interest.
Stalls so far may include a cafe, juice bar, florist, and jewellery, art, photography, and food stalls. He hopes for fruit and vegetable suppliers, as well.
Mr Thomson also hoped to have buskers involved, to help create atmosphere, and there was potential for 3-D floor art, as well.
