The Market began in Grote Street in 1869 and was known as the City Markets, with its official opening on 22 January 1870. In 1869, land was bought in the present day location of the markets for £2600 for three town acres. However, the main markets at that time were the East End Markets that existed between Rundle Street and Grenfell St. This market would equal the Adelaide City Market until 1988.
Because of the overflow of the East End Markets, some traders moved to the City Market. The structure of the building was constructed of wood and iron sheets and completed in June 1869. At its commencement, it opened on Tuesdays and Saturdays with 50 to 100 produce carts. Shops were built along the perimeter of the markets and facing the streets. In the early 1880s, fish supplies were scarce in Adelaide and had to be brought from Port Augusta and Port Pirie by rail.
On 8 February 1900, a foundation stone was laid. Shops were added as well as a refrigeration plant for fruit and fish. Electricity was added in 1902 to replace the gas lighting. Arcade shops were added in 1915 on the eastern side. At that stage, amusements were provided such as darts, billatelle shooting galleries, ball bowling, hoop-la and cheap jacks.
In December 1922, the fish quarters of the Market was demolished and further arcades of 32 shops were added. On 27 December 1925, the North Eastern quarters of the Market were partly damaged through fire. In 1929, butchers’ licences for the Market were not renewed because of sanitary concerns.
Redevelopment of the Market commenced on 18 January 1965 with the demolition of the east end facade of market in Grote Street and addition of a car park. The new market was opened on 17 June 1966. Prior to August 1965, the Market was known as the ‘City Market’, and after that, it was known as the Central Market, being officially opened on 16 August 1965 with this name. Today the Central Markets are surrounded by the Central Market Arcade, Adelaide China Town, and Market Plaza. The ‘centre’ of the Central Markets is made up primarily of fresh produce stalls, with the perimeter and arcade shops being mainly cafés, restaurants, and variety stores.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelaide_Central_Market
