Sally Capp pledges commission to oversee Queen Victoria Market redevelopment if elected lord mayor

A FRONTRUNNER for Melbourne lord mayor has promised to get the $250 million Queen Victoria Market redevelopment on track by giving traders more of a say.

A FRONTRUNNER for Melbourne lord mayor has promised to get the $250 million Queen Victoria Market redevelopment on track by giving traders more of a say.

Property Council executive Sally Capp criticised the city council’s handling of the project, saying some stallholders felt alienated by the consultation process.

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“Confusion and bad communication can quickly lead to a sense of mistrust,” she said.

Ms Capp said that if elected at the May by-election, she would create a six-member commission to oversee the process. This would include two traders, two council representatives, a community person and a member of the market’s board. She would also create a permanent stallholder position on the QVM board.

Frontrunner for Melbourne lord mayor Sally Capp speaks to Suzy Steininger from Gardens Organics. Picture: Sarah Matray

“There are some stallholders who feel the QVM board is presently too focused on the redevelopment, while the running of the market is seen as a secondary concern,” Ms Capp said.

“I’ve heard comments like, ‘Why can’t I see what the markets or my shop will look like after the project is completed’.”

The market refurbishment was championed by former lord mayor Robert Doyle, but the process has been hit by ­delays and opposition from a well-organised protest group.

Former federal MP Phil Cleary has been an active campaigner against the council’s plan and is also likely to run for lord mayor.

Ms Capp said she supported the council blueprint, including the “jewel in the crown” — a 1.5ha park to be built over the carpark. “The investment is badly needed to ensure QVM remains a thriving and vibrant drawcard for marketgoers and tourists and a successful base for 650 small businesses,” she said.

Queen Victoria Market. Picture: Ian Currie

A council management report to go before a meeting on Tuesday said that, of the $75.48 million approved for the market redevelopment so far, $15.45 million had been spent.

It said that archaeological digs under some of the sheds had found evidence of bluestone foundations and a garden bed from an 1870s volun­teer rifle corps orderly room.

Other confirmed mayoral candidates are Greens councillor Rohan Leppert, pollster Gary Morgan and former councillor Ken Ong.

Footy identity Sam Newman said he was considering a run, but state MP Jane Garrett has pulled out of the race.

Mr Doyle, the city’s longest serving lord mayor, resigned last month amid an investigation into sexual harass­ment claims against him that resulted in four adverse findings.

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