New trader pavilion at Queen Victoria Market to be downsized as $250m renewal project faces delays

THE revamp of Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market has been scaled back and delayed, with some pundits saying the turmoil around Lord Mayor Robert Doyle’s sexual harassment allegations has affected the project.

THE $250 million Queen Victoria Market redevelopment has been hit with delays amid the continuing saga of the sexual harassment investigation involving Lord Mayor Robert Doyle.

A temporary traders’ pavilion that was originally due to open next month has been downsized and will need an amended permit before construction can start.

The “greenhouse” structure on Queen St will have its length cut from 254m to 111m and other design changes in response to trader and market management feedback.

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Seven plane trees in the area will be removed to address trade concerns about allergens and leaf litter dropping on stock.

And Heritage Victoria has applied for a 60-day extension to complete its assessment of the plan to dismantle historic sheds A to D for refurbishment, and to create below-ground facilities for traders.

Queen Victoria Market

“Like any project of this complexity and with this many stakeholders, it is understandable that some aspects of the project may need additional time,” Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood said.

“We’re not going to rush heritage application for example, nor would we just push ahead with the new pavilion without hearing from traders first.”

An image of the proposed new traders’ pavilion at QVM

Cr Wood said the council was “OK” with small project delays, and he insisted that works were imminent.

“We’re getting on with ensuring we have a Queen Victoria Market for the next 20, 50 years and well beyond that,” he said.

The traders’ pavilion plans.

Some pundits say the turmoil surrounding the investigation into Cr Doyle has affected the project, especially because he has championed the redevelopment so strongly.

Other problems to hit the project include continuing pressure from a well-organised protest group, while last week the Wurundjeri Council opposed current plans to redevelop an area on top of a traditional burial ground.

Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood

Cr Wood said the council and market management would continue working with traditional owners to resolve any issues, and also with traders over the next five years on the design and delivery of the project.

“This includes the development of the $8 million trader support program and fund to help them operate, grow and innovate their businesses throughout the renewal program.,” he said.

Cr Wood said it was the council’s biggest project ever and would pave the way for a precinct with more than 60,000 jobs, giving a net community benefit to Victoria of $1.2 billion.

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@JMasanauskas