Little Saigon Market vendors reopen at new home in Footscray after devastating fire

THE redevelopment of fire-ravaged Little Saigon Market in Footscray is still years away – but several vendors have found new homes nearby after losing everything.

47-61 Byron St, Footscray. Picture: Fitzroys

THE redevelopment of fire-ravaged Little Saigon Market is still years away, as locals bemoan the loss of the popular fresh food spot.

The formerly bustling site remains off-limits after the December 2016 fire that tore through the market.

DEMOLITION STARTS AT LITTLE SAIGON MARKET

Maribyrnong Council recently granted a 12-month extension to the site’s owners on a planning permit to build two apartment towers, including 260 units, at the site.

But progress remains slow and it is unclear whether construction will begin in 2018.

Not content to wait, several vendors have found new homes nearby after losing everything in the fire.

A Chinese cafe, a pharmacy and a hairdresser have all reopened at a new development at Byron St.

APPALLING STENCH LINGERS AT RUINED MARKET

The council-owned building sits opposite the Little Saigon site and is home to hipster favourite eateries Huxtaburger and Don Don.

Several Little Saigon Market vendors have reopened at 47-61 Byron St, Footscray. Picture: Fitzroys

Rick Berry, director of real estate agent Fitzroys, said leasing the site was a challenge that paid off.

“The combination of a well-known brand like Huxtaburger with the likes of Gong Cha, Hot Star and Don Don, as well as local operators, has given the project a very strong offer,” he said.

Mr Berry said the development had activated more space in the rapidly changing Footscray town centre.

PEOPLE URGED TO SPEND ONE NIGHT IN FOOTSCRAY

Footscray shoppers took to Facebook to share their frustration over the market.

“This place was a favourite haunt for fresh seafood and wonderful Asian veggies,” wrote Brett Richards.

“This was a great shopping and meeting place, it’s very sad that it was destroyed in a huge fire, hopefully it will be rebuilt, even better than before,” wrote Don Mooney.

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