New residents’ group calls for 10-storey height limit on Preston Market redevelopment

A NEW residents’ group has called for the Preston Market redevelopment to include social housing and green spaces.

People for Preston Market members (L-R) Rose Ljubicic and Jim Buckell with a model of a proposed development at Preston Market. They are protesting the development of a 28 storey building. Picture: Josie Hayden

AN ALTERNATIVE vision for the redevelopment of Preston market has been put forward by a newly formed residents’ group.

People for Preston Market has called for the $550 million project to include solar panels, social housing, green spaces and a 10-storey height cap.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS ALTERNATE PROPOSAL: POST YOUR THOUGHTS BELOW.

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Without these additions, the group says the much-loved market is in danger of becoming a “windswept shadowland of high-rise towers”.

In a manifesto published on Facebook, the group called for the development to include:

A 10-storey height limi, green spaces, rooftop solar panels, rainwater collection and waste minimisation, neighbourhood centre, play areas for children, performance and art spaces and social housing.

It also calls for Darebin Council to run consultation for six months, engaging the expertise of experienced place-makers and community planners.

Spokesman Jim Buckell said the council’s decision to extend consultation by one month was a start, but more was needed to ensure the community had an adequate say.

“We’d like to work with (the) council, the developers and other stakeholders to put together a visionary plan that has green space, a renewable energy focus, meeting places and arts and performance areas, as well as the friendly hustle and bustle of the market,” Mr Buckell said.

“We want to avoid a windswept shadowland of high-rise towers that dwarfs the market and surrounding areas, including the football ground over the road.”

The group’s four founding members include Greens candidate for Preston Rose Ljubicic.