Queen Victoria market revamp plans revealed

The troubled $250 million redevelopment of Queen Victoria Market is finally back on track with new plans for parking and storage facilities. But there’s one thing the council has given up on.

Image of proposed redevelopment of Queen Victoria Market

The troubled $250 million redevelopment of Queen Victoria Market is finally back on track with new plans for parking and storage facilities.

The City of Melbourne’s revised strategy includes the original proposal for a 1.5h piazza to replace the current carpark, and pedestrianisation of the market’s Queen St section.

But the council has given up on digging under some of the old sheds to provide facilities and car parking after Heritage Victoria’s shock decision last year to reject the works.

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Instead, the council intends to spend $19 million for 500 customer parking spaces at a future commercial development site on Franklin St, at the market’s southern end.

Another 500 spaces have already been promised at the Munro site, a council redevelopment next to the market but not part of the official refurbishment project.

The council won’t dig under the market’s old sheds. Picture: QVM

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said that while Heritage Victoria’s decision was disappointing, the council wanted to move on.

Cr Capp said that for the benefit of traders the council needed to find a design that

addressed the market’s challenges while maintaining its heritage.

“Other than the areas impacted by Heritage Victoria’s decision, there are many components of the original business case and renewal plan either underway or about to begin,” she said.

Under new proposals to be considered by a council meeting on Tuesday, improved trader and waste facilities will be located at three locations not affected by heritage concerns.

These include loading facilities and trader storage at the former G Shed, and a three-level building featuring trader facilities, market administration and shops at Queen St south.

Also, $6 million will be spent for cool and dry storage pods at fruit and vegetable traders’ stalls.

Queen Victoria Market CEO Stan Liacos said the delivery of infrastructure and car parking was vital to traders and customers.

“It’s a much loved asset but investment is needed for the market to thrive. Traders want renewal to deliver,” he said.

Other measures that will continue to proceed under the renewal include the food court’s upgrade, restoration of Meat and Fish Hall and Deli Hall, and refurbishment of Elizabeth St shops.

The stalled market upgrade will be delivered in stages up to 2025, with a section of the new piazza due to open in 2021 when Munro site parking spaces become available.

Called Market Square, it will be the biggest public open space in the CBD.

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@JMasanauskas