Bunbury Farmers Market secures land in Vasse Village as expansion dreams become reality for tourist hotspot

A Bunbury business which has grown into one of the region’s hottest tourism destinations is set to expand further South The Bunbury Farmers Market — a favourite with Perth-based tourists hitting the South West — has secured a new site in Vasse Village as they look to expand their operations. The new location is likely to replicate the current Glen Iris site, with cafe and ready-made meal sections as well as fresh produce offerings. The new store, on Coomibup Boulevard in Vasse, will mean easy access for locals and travellers from Bussell Highway. BFM owner Graham Heath said the company was excited to be able to expand its operations and become more accessible to the lucrative consumer base in Margaret River, Dunsborough and Busselton. “The team and I at Bunbury Farmers Market are extremely excited to be able to build what is hoped to be a world class South West fresh food market in Vasse,” he said. “Capitalising on our 40 years of experience we will be improving on what has been created at our Bunbury market, whilst continuing to deliver an exceptional shopping experience.” Vasse land developer Perron Group’s general manager of land development Lyle Kenny said the market would be a boost to the appeal of the area. “Right from the outset we have sought to focus on using innovative design, landscaping and public artworks to give the village its own unique personality,” he said. “Hand-in-hand with this approach has been to ensure local residents have easy access to a range of shops, retail outlets and professional services that serve their day-to-day needs and make Vasse Village a destination of choice. “The addition of the Farmers Market will significantly enhance that appeal.” Hanson Property’s Vasse Village selling agent Sam Hanson said the move was significant for the community, which experienced record visitation over the 2021-22 summer period. “Being a big an of the Bunbury Farmers Market myself, striking a deal with such a quality offering was an exciting negotiation to be involved in,” he said. “We are all now focused on the approvals process and looking forward to the construction phase and ultimately shopping at the Bunbury Farmers Market in Vasse.” Owners of the Farmers Market are also looking to continue developing their Glen Iris site, although a controversial development application was put on hold earlier this year until after the State Government’s structure plan for Glen Iris is released, which is likely to include changes to the intersection of Vittoria Road and Forrest Highway. The grocery store lodged the application in May for changes to its truck delivery routes and the store’s carpark and decided to defer the application after meetings with Bunbury MLA Don Punch. The plans led to an outcry, with residents of neighbouring Glen Iris launching a petition and protesting outside the store.