Brunswick Market Sydney Rd: historic market once owned by Tony Mokbel for sale

The historic Brunswick Market, once owned by underworld figure Tony Mokbel, is a dreary shadow of its former self. Can it be revived?

The historic Brunswick Market on Sydney Rd, once owned by Tony Mokbel, is up for sale for the second time in two years and is expected to fetch in the region of $20 million. Picture: Hugo Timms

A historic Brunswick market is for sale and is expected to fetch somewhere in the region of $20 million.

The Brunswick Market, once owned by underworld figure Tony Mokbel, is listed for sale by owners Molongo Group and Dennis Paphito, the founder of skin care empire Aesop.

The Brunswick Market is a historical landmark for the local Greek and Lebanese community, but the once thriving building is now deserted.

Mo Yamak, the general manager of the market’s fruit and vegetable store, said he hoped any possible development plans get knocked back.

“I’d be interested to see who buys it,” Mr Yamak told Leader.

It’s understood that the Molongo Group and Mr Paphito have decided to sell the market after failing to get development plans passed by the City of Moreland.

Selling agent Jessie Radisich was quoted in other media as saying “the most likely outcome is probably development” regarding the future of the site.

Cr Sue Bolton said that she preferred the site was kept as a market.

“I was opposed to the markets being sold off and progressively closed down,” she said.

The sale of the market comes as nearby Preston Market continues its frantic fight for survival against the Andrews’ government plans to develop the site.

Mayor Mark Riley told Leader: “All councillors consider planning permits for developments in line with the planning scheme and the impacts and benefits to the local community.”

Cr Oscar Yildiz said he thought the site needed to be developed.

“It needs an injection of funds. It’s pretty bad,” Cr Yildiz said.

“I don’t think you can classify that as heritage. It needs millions to meet community expectations.”