Market takes on new laneway arts precinct in build up to 45th anniversary celebrations

PRESTON Market has launched a new art and design precinct as it prepares for a new milestone celebration next month.

Preston Market is inviting stall holders to join PAM Lane, a new section of the Preston Market aiming to hold about 20 stalls selling quirky furniture design and stunning fashion through to intricate jewellery as well as specialty food and coffee. Curator Christian Ferrante at PAM Lane, at Preston Market with Jake Mc Govern of Peasant Boys Bean Squeezery. Pictures:Angie Basdekis

PRESTON Market is bringing Melbourne’s laneway culture to Darebin.

As the market looks forward to its 45th anniversary next month (see below) it recently launched PAM, (Preston Art Market) Lane, an art and design precinct for 20 stallholders to bring the latest fashion, homewares, arts and tasty treats to Preston.

PAM Lane curator Christian Ferrante said the new precinct would help the market move with the times.

“PAM Lane is about reinvigorating a space within Preston Market, the idea behind it is to get a new breed of stallholder, mainly local artists and designers with their handmade goods,” Mr Ferrante said.

“It’s a new breed, and it’s probably more contemporary, and probably more in line of what people expect these days from a market.”

Mr Ferrante said the precinct would be similar to some of Melbourne’s popular laneways, with specialty food and beverage stalls next to boutique retailers.

“The idea is kind of a Degraves Lane style mix of hospitality and retail,” Mr Ferrante said.

Four stalls have already made PAM Lane their home – including a vegan bakery, coffee stall, a clothing label and a specialty furniture maker.

Mr Ferrante invited potential stallholders to contact PAM Lane.

Details: pamlane.com.au

MARKET GEARS UP FOR 45TH ANNIVERSARY

Jennifer Valls with sons Nathan, left, and Joshua at Preston Seafoods, ready for the 45th anniversary celebrations. Picture: Hamish Blair

The Preston Market, which first opened its doors on August 13, 1970, will next month mark its 45th anniversary.

The celebration comes as one of the market’s oldest stalls sends thanks to the community for a heartwarming response to the death of Preston Seafoods stallholder John Valls.

Jennifer Valls said her home was inundated with wellwishers and flowers after her husband’s death in early April. “I’ve received hundreds of bouquets to the house, it’s like a florist,” Mrs Valls said.

“It has been so overwhelming, we still have customers coming up crying.

“He was an amazing personality, he was a very generous, loving caring man, and always smiling – that’s how everyone will always remember him.”

The Valls family opened Preston Seafoods across the road from the Preston Town Hall on High St in 1952, before opening their stand at the Preston Market in 1970.

Four generations and 45 years later Mrs Valls said the family would be “continuing the family tradition” despite John’s passing.

“It’s been very hard but we’re determined,” Mrs Valls said.

“Our two sons are running it now basically. (My son) Joshua has been there for 10 years now, and he’s the fourth generation.”

Mrs Valls said the family was proud to have been at the market for its first 45 years, and hoped to stick around for many more.

“It’s a wonderful, vibrant atmosphere, and it’s all the fresh produce and it’s that market warm friendly atmosphere that makes it so vibrant to be there, such a welcoming warm feeling.”