Flashback: How Preston’s original foodie hub used to look

BACK when prosciutto and European cheeses were considered exotic, this market was the original foodie hub in Melbourne’s north. Here’s how it used to look — and how it will soon look after a massive redevelopment.

Christine McGinn and Ed Gardiner

3 min read

April 24, 2018 - 1:46PM

Best of Melbourne

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BACK when European cheeses were considered exotic, this bustling bazaar was the original foodie hub in Melbourne’s north.

At Preston Market, salamis and hams have for decades hung from the delicatessens of immigrants who worked tirelessly to offer the freshest produce to their customers.

Fishmongers had a top offering for a family feast — or a festive bite.

WHY WE STILL LOVE SOUTH MELB MARKET

Gerry and Theresa Marazita, smallgoods traders at Gerry's Deli, Preston Market in 1982.

Preston Seafoods was in the Christmas spirit at Preston Market.

What a catch at Preston Seafoods at Preston Market.

And the market is still a bustling foodie hub. Butchers, bakers, florists and even fruit growers line the Preston Market with their goods and fresh produce throughout the week.

The market’s roots date back to European migration while it also embraces settlers from Asia.

Construction started on the market in October 1969 to the tune of $2 million to transform the former Broadhurst Tannery site.

The market didn’t open its doors until 1970 and within six years had 46 green grocers, 19 butchers, 15 delicatessens, four fish and four poultry shops.

Plus there were toys, clothes, carpets, plants and sporting good stores in the mix.

WHAT’S REALLY UNDER QUEEN VIC MARKET

Preston Market soon after it opened in 1970.

There’s lots on offer at the market. Supplied: Salta Properties

Plenty of choice at Preston Market. Supplied: Salta Properties

Preston Seafoods decks the halls at Preston Markets.

Fresh produce is on offer at the market. Supplied: Salta Properties

The market has people of all cultures visit. Supplied: Salta Properties

There is an art to a good cut. Supplied: Salta Properties

Did anyone say cheese? Supplied: Salta Properties

Fresh produce is on sale at the market. Supplied: Salta Properties

STILL TRANSFORMING, DECADES ON

The market changed hands in 2004 after it was sold from Centro MCS to joint owners Salta Properties and Medich Corporation for $36.75 million.

A new Fresh Food Market opened last year.

The market is known for its fresh produce and unique treats such as piroshki— a sugary Russian doughnut.

HOW OUR MOST-LOVED FOODS WERE BORN

COUNCIL STRUCK SECRET MARKET DEAL

Jess Pelich sells the piroshki at the Preston Market. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Preston Market is much-loved by locals. Picture: Ellen Smith

The owners are splashing more than half a billion dollars to transform the precinct including the market which is bounded by Cramer St, Murray Rd and Station Ave near the South Morang railway line.

Preston Market Developments, a joint venture between Salta Properties and Medich Corporation, will build 283 units across two 10-storey buildings and one 14-storey building on car park land next to the market site after VCAT gave approval in October.

The decision ended a long-running saga with community opposition to the development.

Darebin Council had knocked back almost identical plans in February.

Fish is still a big hit at Preston Market. Picture: Ellen Smith

Shoppers fill their trolleys with goods at Preston Market. Picture: Ellen Smith

Preston Market Developments appealed to the tribunal arguing the Murray Rd site, which abuts Preston Station, was a prime location for development.

The tribunal had concerns over the impact to the market’s character were “based on a misapprehension that the existing market will be undermined or irretrievably impacted by the proposed development”.

In August, the State Government also placed interim planning controls on sections of the site until June 30 to allow a review of planning controls affecting other parts of the site.

Plus the developer snapped up an open-air carpark next to the market for $8 million.

Preston Market will be renovated. Picture: Ellen Smith

The market's new Fresh Food Market. Picture: Josie Hayden

The 1761sq m Cramer St site came with pre-approved plans for a nine-storey apartment building including 95 units, designed by architecture firm Hayball.

Salta Properties managing director Sam Tarascio said Preston Market had been the heart of the community for more than 45 years and wanted to uphold its unique character.

“Through the customers, the stalls and the traders, the market reflects what is special about Preston — diversity, character and community,” Mr Tarascio said.

“As Preston continues to evolve, we are focused in supporting the Preston Market to grow with the community while preserving the heritage and charm that everyone knows and loves.”

Save Our Preston Market spokesman Chris Erlandson and other members. Picture: David Geraghty

There are big plans to modernise the market. Picture: Ellen Smith

He said the market would become the centre of a vibrant community precinct which brought together residential living, public transport and fresh food.

But the council, some traders and community members didn’t welcome the development news.

The Save Our Preston Market community group formed to retain the cherished market and will continue seeking assurances from the all level of government its character will remain.

Plus stallholders pushed back on plans to introduce Sunday trade this year.

But market manager Chris Giannopoulos said it was vital the market traded over the weekend to ensure its future.