Caribbean Park

The History of Caribbean Park

Caribbean Park now stands as a thriving modern business park in Victoria, but its story is deeply rooted in Australian history. In 1945, the Spooner family purchases the land, and, by the 1950s, had established the Caribbean boat factory. To test their boats, the family built a large lake, a beautifully unexpected centrepiece that would later become a local treasure.

By the mid-1960, the Spooners opened Caribbean Gardens to the public. Locals began selling goods from their car boots, sparking the idea that would grow into the Caribbean Gardens and Markets. Officially opening in 1976, the market quickly became a cultural icon. At its peak, it hosted more than 1,000 stalls and attracted families, bargain hunters, and community groups from across Melbourne. For nearly 50 years, it was more than just a market, it was a place where memories were made.

The closure of the Caribbean Market on July 1, 2020, due to the impacts of COVID-19, marked the end of an era. While its doors closed, its legacy has lived on in the hearts of many locals. Today, the site has been transformed into Caribbean Park, a modern business park that continues to evolve.

Caribbean Park

Caribbean’s Transition to an EV fleet

As part of its transformation, Caribbean Park embraced the future of mobility. Recognising the rapid growth of electric vehicles, the owners sought to create a destination that could meet the needs of both tenants and visitors to Melbourne.

As the software provider, Exploren assisted Caribbean in setting up the charging infrastructure, which Exploren will continue to own and operate. This partnership allows the park to offer state-of-the-art EV charging without the hassle of managing it themselves. The installation features a 200kW Kempower unit with two satellites across four bays, designed to deliver fast charging to multiple EV drivers at any time.

Exploren’s network ensures the chargers remain operational and efficient at all times. With automatic fault detection alerts, remote servicing, real-time updates, and transparent pricing, drivers enjoy peace of mind, knowing they can rely on a smooth experience every time they charge.

More than just technology, the chargers have become part of the park’s commitment to its community. By supporting EV adoption, Caribbean Park not only attracts new visitors but also creates opportunities for local businesses, like cafes who see increased traffic from drivers charging their cars.