Paddy’s Markets makeover revealed as stallholders launch legal action

New artist impressions have revealed plans for a European-style facelift for Sydney’s Paddy’s Markets — but some stallholders aren’t happy. See the pictures here.

New artist impressions have revealed Doltone Hospitality Group’s vision for the revamped Paddy’s Markets — but existing stallholders are furious about the changes.

The new high-end food and beverage precinct will have a European market feel, complete with French cheese stalls and fresh pasta, despite being located in the heart of Chinatown.

In a development application lodged to City of Sydney Council, Doltone Hospitality Group details plans to occupy 3000 sqm of the northeast corner of the markets to create an “authentic market experience with a wide range of cuisines”.

The new precinct takes its inspiration from the likes of London’s Borough Markets, with some of the new stalls inspired by Asian hawker markets.

In the heritage impact statement, Doltone Hospitality Group says 21 per cent of the new stalls will focus on Asian cuisine.

New artist impressions have revealed Doltone Hospitality Group's vision for Paddy's Markets.

Artist impression of the new fresh food and vegetable section. Picture: Supplied

The plan cites low occupancy rates as evidence the markets needs a revamp, with current occupancy around 44 per cent and as low as 20 per cent on Wednesday.

“The proposed new tenancy will re-enable the market to maintain a level of profitability and continue to support the existing stallholders within the Paddy’s market,” the heritage impact statement said.

The new high-end food and beverage precinct will have a European market feel.

Current stallholders are not convinced the new designs are the right fit. Picture: Supplied

Not everyone is happy about the markets getting a facelift.

Long-term stallholders have launched action in the Supreme Court against plans to relocate them to other stalls in the market to make way for the revamp, saying losing their prime position will cost them trade.

Stallholder Ying Meng Weng paid a premium for his visible spot in the markets, but after two decades will be moved in favour of the new Doltone Hospitality Group’s venture.

“We are going to take action to urge the city to hold the application until the result of our legal proceedings,” he said.

Stall holders Suat Kopuz (left) and Yi Ming Weng. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Andres Celerio isn’t a fan of the proposal. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

When shown the artist impressions of how the new markets would look, many stallholders said it went against the charm of the place.

“Most of us think it’s a very bad idea … there’s only one market in the city,” stall worker Andres Celerio said.

“In the city these types of (Doltone House) offerings aren’t hard to find.”

Sydney Markets Limited CEO Brad Latham said the renovation would honour the 150-year history of the markets.

“There are big plans in the works for this project and we are still yet to release the complete vision for the future of Paddy’s,” he said.

“The wider community has been able to get a small taste of what’s in store, and overwhelmingly the feedback has been excellent.

“We look forward to our ‘big reveal’ in the coming weeks — showcasing the new unmatched offerings that stand to be a win-win for our existing traders, as well as our local and international visitors.”

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