Fury at axing of trees to make way for Queen Victoria Market’s Gurrowa Place project

Locals living near the Queen Victoria Market are fuming after mature, native trees were chopped to make way for three large towers — even though they do not have the final tick of approval.

Residents Alice Camielleri, Richard Grace, Bob Evans, Frances Separovic and Richard Grace are furious at tree removal at the Franklin St Reserve. Picture: Brendan Beckett

Residents are furious that the City of Melbourne has chopped down more than a dozen mature, native trees to make way for the controversial billion-dollar development at Queen Victoria Market – even though the massive project does not have formal approval.

The trees, including many tall gums, have been felled at the Franklin St Reserve, a large roundabout at the northern end of Queen St.

And more are set for the chop.

The Gurrowa Place project – three large towers at the southern end of the heritage-listed market – is so large that its footprint extends out into the current roundabout.

Citywide Tree Care workers chopping down trees at the top of Queen St. Picture: Supplied

The $1.7bn Lendlease development is part of the major revamp of the council-owned market site.

Nearby resident Bob Evans said the neighbourhood needed to retain any greenery, especially mature vegetation for birds such as currawongs and lorikeets.

“We know we’re fighting a rearguard battle but we’re not going down without a fight,” he said.

“Because 30-year-old trees don’t grow overnight.’’

Mr Evans said the council, as co-developer, had got ahead of itself in axing trees.

The Gurrowa Place project is part of the major revamp of the council-owned market site.

The roundabout will be removed and Queen St will be realigned, with two fewer traffic lanes and more traffic lights.

The changes have sparked concerns about access for shoppers, traders, deliveries and even the tourist buses who stop at the landmark market.

Eight large gum trees that line Franklin St will also be felled, prompting residents to also question the council’s environmental credentials.

Citywide Tree Care arborists have been removing the trees in recent weeks, laying the reserve bare.

The Herald Sun revealed in January that the City of Melbourne failed to meet its target of planting 3000 trees last year.

The council has long set itself an annual target to plant 3000 trees, but last year planted 2100.

A City of Melbourne spokesman said at the time the shortfall was due to planting trees in suburban streets.

Gum trees have been removed from Franklin St Reserve in recent weeks. Picture: Supplied

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the transformation of Franklin St would unlock the site for Gurrowa Place, attracting more customers and boosting business for traders.

“We’re making adjustments to improve traffic flow and deliver much-needed new public open space to bring people together, while increasing the canopy cover along Franklin St by around 40 per cent,” she said.

Gurrowa Place will be three towers of different heights, the tallest being a student accommodation building over 49 levels.

The line of buildings drew unkind comparisons to the loathed Gas and Fuel towers, on Flinders St, which were demolished in 1997.

The Gurrowa Place project will be at the southern end of the Queen Victoria Market. Picture: Supplied

The council removed 13 trees before handing the site over to Lendlease.

The developer applied for a planning permit in July last year to build two towers, while student accommodation operator Scape applied for a permit in November for the third tower.

The Department of Transport and Planning is yet to rule on the applications.

The removal of the roundabout follows community engagement in 2019.