Barry Humphries hits out at Queen Victorian Market redevelopment

AUSTRALIAN entertainment legend Barry Humphries says Melbourne must stop its “architectural suicide”, throwing his support behind campaigners against the Queen Victoria Market redevelopment.

AUSTRALIAN entertainment legend Barry Humphries has slammed the proposed redevelopment of the Queen Victoria Market saying its future was being gambled away.

Humphries has sent a scathing message of protest to organisers of a Save Vic Market rally tomorrow.

The comedian and actor, who has often spoken out about development in his home town, also said Melbourne had been committing “architectural suicide” since the 1960s with demolition of significant buildings and that money was the only motive.

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“But it’s still our city. Even if our town councils have handed over its future to developers who don’t even live here,” he said. “The Queen Victoria Market is an Australian landmark and a spectacular Melbourne shopping rendezvous.

“It must not be gambled away at a secret game of mahjong.’’

Queen Victoria Market, view on the corner of Elizabeth and Victoria Streets. Picture: Michael Klein

The full message will be read out today at the rally near the heritage-listed site.

Aussie music great Paul Kelly, whose songs of Melbourne have become national treasures, also joined the protest saying that “Vic market ain’t broke. Don’t fix it”.

QVM board chairman Paul Guerra said he reached out to protest organisers to accommodate the rally which was being held on the market’s busiest trading weekend.

“It’s very disappointing that rally organisers have chosen not to work with us to reduce the risk and minimise the disruption,’’ Mr Guerra said.

“We acknowledge that everyone loves the Queen Victoria Market, and the plans for renewal will ensure the market continues as an operating traditional market.’’

Actor Michael Caton will speak at the rally.

The rally will also feature speeches by comedian Gerry Connolly, actors Michael Caton and Sigrid Thornton, Father Bob Maguire and a performance by Dan Sultan.

The row comes amid growing concern and uncertainty among some traders about the $250 million revamp.

The first major change is expected next year with the construction on Queen St of a glasshouse-style pavilion for traders displaced by works.

The development includes the revival of the meat and deli halls and restoring the facade.

The 720-space carpark will become Market Square, a public open space. Car spaces will be provided under the sheds and in the $400m redevelopment of the Munro site, bordered by Queen, Franklin and Therry streets.

Queen Victoria Market. Picture: Ian Currie

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle had said the market needed to evolve to survive. A City of Melbourne spokeswoman said an independent business case showed that the future of the market was at risk.

“After five years of planning; submissions from more than 7500 people through community consultations; more than 60 comprehensive studies on every aspect of renewal from heritage studies to structural plans, we are now getting on with the renewal of our much-loved market.’’

An $8 million fund has been set aside to help traders during the five-year redevelopment.

Heritage Victoria is reviewing about 1600 submissions, mostly objections, to the council’s proposed rebuilding of sheds A to D and excavations for three levels of underground storage and car parking.

Three preliminary archaeological digs have been completed under the sheds with no major finds.

@IanRoyall