Operators of the Richmond Night Market say they’re well underway to securing the more than 400 vendors they hope to line up before the market opens in Queensborough next May.

But they haven’t even started getting all of the necessary approvals and permits required to operate in New Westminster.

Last week market operators Target Event Production had vendors lining up overnight to be part of the 2010 market, which will be located beside Starlight Casino. Market founder Raymond Cheung called it a “record response.”

“It’s the best opening return we’ve ever seen and it really shows an incredible excitement with our return, our new location, and our partnership with Starlight Casino,” he said.

Most of the food court vendor booths have already been spoken for with vendors shelling out a $1,000 deposit for each space.

However, the City of New Westminster still hasn’t received an application to operate the market from Cheung and his company. So far it’s just been discussions between the two parties.

“We’ve been working with them to get a completed application, said Jim Hurst, with the city’s planning department. “Once we get that we’ll take it right away to city council because there’s some interest there.”

Hurst admitted it’s a detailed application and an unusual one for the city.

“It’s not like the usual housing project. What needs to be done and at what stage is not obvious,” he said.

One of the most important hurdles for the market to clear is a traffic study. A traffic analysis must answer questions like how traffic flows will impact the surrounding areas, how parking needs will be accommodated and how emergency responders will access the site.

The market is expected to attract 10,000 visitors a week and needs to supply more than 1,000 parking spots for each night it’s open.

A partnership between the casino and Target Event, the market will run from May 21 until Oct. 11, operating Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holiday evenings.

It is predicted to be the largest night market in North America with 400 vendors. There will also be space for a large stage, amusement games and rides, a children’s area, an outdoor food court and other activities.

The market began in Richmond in 2000. It operated until 2007 and then closed down because it could not find a suitable location.

mmcquillan@newwestnewsleader.com