Preston Market traders forced to close as $4m million ’facelift’ begins

AT LEAST three traders have been given their marching orders in the face of the first stage of a $4 million ‘facelift’ of Preston Market.

Manny Spiteri, who is advocating for stallholders, says traders at Preston Market are at ‘breaking point’. Picture: David Smith

AT LEAST three Preston Market traders have been given marching orders, while others have been put on month-by-month contracts in the face of a $4 million “facelift” of the site.

Preston Market Developments, a partnership between Salta Properties and Medich Corporation, last week announced it would spend more than $4 million on a market revamp.

The makeover would add 60 retail jobs and include upgrades to the Fruit and Vegetable block and Meat, Poultry and Fish Hall, new children’s play spaces and sustainability improvements.

Works are to begin next month.

But Preston Leader discovered at least three traders had been issued with notices of lease terminations ahead of the planned works, while one had started legal proceedings against the owners.

Leader spoke to stallholders at the market who revealed some had been issued with notices of termination, while others were on month-by-month ‘holding over’ lease arrangements.

Artists impression of how Preston Market will look following its $4 million revamp. Picture: Supplied

Salta Properties managing director Sam Tarascio last week said he was “not in a position to discuss commercial in confidence matters regarding individual traders”.

Enzo Seconnino, who has run Patricia Fabrics at the market for more than 40 years, said he received a notice of termination, and would be forced to close his shop for the final time on September 12.

“It’s not a very nice way to go, you’d think that after so many years I’d be part of the fabric of the market,” he said.

Mr Seconnino said the owners had suggested they would relocate him, but had so far given him nothing in writing.

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Preston Market Traders advocate Manny Spiteri said the renewal works were “a facelift” to placate traders who were at “breaking point”, fearing their tenancies could be terminated.

Mr Spiteri claimed four stallholders’ leases had been terminated, with two stallholders launching legal action against the owners and about eight considering legal action.

Darebin Progress Association spokeswoman Marion Harper said local community groups are working to form a Save Preston Market group, and were planning a community meeting.

The $4 million revamp is the first stage of a planned $550 million redevelopment of the market.

Darebin Council has twice rejected planning scheme amendments, including one which would have paved the way for a 28-storey apartment tower on the site.

Mr Tarascio last week could not guarantee stallholders would not lose their jobs as part of the $550 million redevelopment.

“Like any retail project, we continue to work closely with the traders regarding any new leases and this is ongoing at Preston Market,” Mr Tarascio said.

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“As with all markets, stall holders do change from time to time.”

He said the upgrades would be done to the include the installation of solar panels, on-site waste treatment.

The $4 million Preston Market revamp will include:

— Sustainability improvements, including solar panels, on-site waste treatment, recycling improvements and new technologies that will reduce the carbon footprint of the market.

— Upgrades to existing buildings and public spaces, including kids play areas and landscaping

— Works to provide space for more artists and designers at PAM Lane.

— General enhancements, including parent rooms, public walkways, a new customer service centre and improved public amenities.