Pitched as a “tourist market” for the “underutilised portion of the Blue Mile”, the market would start south of the City Beach function centre – also run by the prominent development family – and extend to near the bus terminus along Endeavour Drive.

According to the Neotrade plans, which are open for public comment until May 10, up to 70 stallholders would arrive to set up long the popular beachside walking and cycle path from 6am every Saturday. They would “if necessary” be able to drive onto the footpath to set up, the plans say.

The stalls would then stay there for eight hours, packing up by 2pm.

“We expect approximately 3000 visitors during the proposed times of the activity with further growth opportunity due to the potential benefit from a regional inbound tourism perspective,” the application says, noting “a maximum of 750 people” were expected at one time.

The Kollaras company has proposed a six month trial of the markets, to “ensure ongoing risks or concerns with such an activation can be re-assessed by Wollongong City Council”.

Unsurprisingly, the company is “excited” by its own proposal; it has indicated the markets would prop up commercial opportunities at the City Beach building.

“As the primary commercial operator in the vicinity we are excited by the increased pedestrian traffic and spin-off opportunity of this activation,” the application says.

According to the plans, the liquor group has consulted with tourism body Destination Wollongong – which is also “excited” –  and Wollongong’s neighbourhood forum – which has “provided positivity” towards the idea.

They have not yet asked the surrounding residents their views on the pathway markets, but hoped the would find it, once again, “an exciting and vibrant activation”.

The Kollaras application said the company did not foresee any effects on the flora and fauna “hence no particular control measures for fauna are envisaged”, however they would require stall holders “to remain a clear distance away from the dunes at all times”.

They would also require food operators to “put down some protective matting to prevent spillage onto the natural areas”.

The market operators would make use of the “significant parking” and ‘significant public toilet facilities” around the beach area but would provide some extra bins to “ensure the area remains visually appealing”.