Preston Market Developments reaffirms commitment to keeping popular site open

The owners of Preston Market say they are committed to the popular shopping hub’s future as a “major local feature”. But they have failed to quash talk it could be moved within the site as a petition to save the market grows.

The owners of Preston Market have spoken out about its future.

The owners of Preston Market say they are committed to its future as a “major local feature” as more than 1200 people sign a petition voicing their support for the market to stay where it is

Preston Market Developments, a joint venture of Medich Corporation and Salta Properties, own the site, which is currently under review by the Victorian Planning Authority.

A PMD spokesman said they were “working to ensure that it will remain a major local feature for decades to come”.

But the company spokesman did not address Leader’s questions about plans for the site, the construction of three apartment towers, or if the market would be demolished.

The market has been loved by locals since it opened in the 1970s.

The spokesman said there was no intention to close or move the market from its current site, but would not confirm if the market could be relocated within the site, which borders Cramer St and Murray Rd.

An independent urban design report commissioned by Darebin Council found the market’s best chance at success would be with a frontage onto Cramer St.

The VPA is reviewing planning controls for the site which will shape the future of the market.

Darebin Council called on the planning minister to give Preston Market the “strongest possible protections”, including a heritage overlay.

The market’s construction was found to be historically significant. Picture: Darebin Libraries

A heritage report from RBA Architects found the market did have local heritage significance.

A petition voicing support for the market to stay “where it is and how it is” has attracted more than 1230 signatures.

Petition starter Danielle Brodelis said “I hope to gain the council’s attention as well as Richard Wynne MP, showing how much the community cares about the Preston Market”.

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Elizabeth Hodgskiss added her support, writing “This place is one of the last remaining pieces of my childhood growing up in the area. I still travel there today”.

The VPA is preparing draft planning controls to be presented to Planning Minister Richard Wynne, before a public exhibition process.