Paddy’s Markets: Council determines $9.6m redevelopment amid stallholder backlash

A contentious plan to revamp Paddy’s Markets into a high-end food and beverage precinct has been determined as angry stallholders warn the revamp could send many traders broke.

A contentious plan to revamp Paddy’s Markets into a high-end food and beverage precinct has been approved despite calls by angry stallholders for the development to be scrapped.

The City of Sydney Council’s Planning Panel has given the light on a $9.8 million proposal by wedding venue group Doltone Hospitality Group to turn a 2910 sqm section of Paddy’s Markets into an “authentic” food precinct.

Development plans state the project would ensure the long-term viability of the market which has struggled with low occupancy rates in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

But the development has faced stiff resistance from many traders who face being pushed out of their long term stalls to make way for the hospitality venture.

Stallholder Suat Kopuz said the development would result in 57 traders having to relocate from their coveted positions in the market to areas with less foot traffic.

A concept photo of the market revamp.

“It’s all about location and they’re moving us to near a loading dock where there’s wind and rain. It’s like going from a waterfront home in Bondi to Liverpool – how am I going to survive there?” he said.

“I’ve been a stallholder for 40 years and it’s my life.”

Other traders have argued the addition of food and drink offerings within the market could lead to anti-social behaviour, crime, traffic congestion as well as encourage pests and vermin.

Stallholders Suat Kopuz and Yi Ming Weng are opposed to the development. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Yi Ming Weng, who has been selling toys and luggage at Paddy’s for more than two decades, believes the development could turn the market into a “shopping centre”.

“We pay high premiums to occupy the best locations in the market (and) many stallholders will lose their businesses and be forced to leave the market,” he said.

“It should be kept as a traditional market.”

Representatives from Doltone Hospitality Group told the planning panel meeting the development plans were fully compliant with council requirements and include a plan of management to address concerns including security.

Development plans stated the project would “enhance the existing market while maintaining its original character and use”.

Plans show the food and beverage precinct would be modelled on a ‘hawkers market’ with about 20 per cent of the new stalls expected to focus solely on Asian-style cuisine.

“The proposal will reinvigorate the markets and increase public visitation to Paddy’s Markets, which will be beneficial to other stallholders and also businesses in the area,” the plans stated.

“Many stalls on the ground floor of Paddy’s Markets are currently vacant or not used for retail and the proposed development will reinforce the market’s activity, visitation and its viability.”

A concept image of the development.

The planning panel – in approving the development – found the proposal would “retain the market use of the site” by integrating stalls to other locations within the market.

The panel also found the redevelopment “would not detrimentally impact on the heritage significance of the site”.

The development was approved on conditions including a requirement for food and beverage operating hours to be capped at midnight on Mondays to Saturdays and 10pm on Sundays.

The council’s approval of the plans come as traders pursue legal action in the Supreme Court action against the development, claiming the project is “unfair” and “unjustifiable”

The Doltone Hospitality Group was contacted for further comment - including about when it plans to commence the development - but declined to comment.