Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal update
Tuesday 3 May 2016
Dear traders
The City of Melbourne is making the largest investment in its history, with up to $250 million to be spent on the renewal of the Queen Victoria Market precinct.
We want to keep you informed throughout the renewal process given the important role you play working and running your business at the market.
Since the master plan was adopted last July, we’ve been working hard to progress renewal: preparing a planning scheme amendment for the precinct, conducting a tender process for the Munro site development, and creating an implementation framework to guide renewal.
Implementation framework
The renewal of the Queen Victoria Market is well on track, with the implementation framework for the project set to be released in July.
The framework will outline the delivery of the projects identified in the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal Master Plan adopted by Council in July 2015, including key timeframes and, importantly, how the market will continue to trade during the renewal works.
Improving the trader, customer and community experience is central to the renewal program. There is going to be a lot of change as we carry out works to meet this objective, but we will work with you to minimise disruption and ensure trade continues to the greatest extent possible throughout all stages of works.
Munro site
In addition to the implementation framework, the process to appoint a developer to transform the Munro site is well underway. This remains a vital component of the Queen Victoria Market renewal program. Two leading developers have been short-listed and the City of Melbourne expects to complete the evaluation process by July 2016.
Planning scheme amendment
The City of Melbourne’s planning scheme amendment, an important step in renewal, is also underway with the Planning Panel to commence from 3 May 2016. The C245 amendment seeks to balance the heritage of the market with the right type of development in the precinct.
City of Melbourne 2016-17 budget
The City of Melbourne will release its draft 2016–17 budget this week, with the renewal program to receive further funding as part of the $250 million commitment. You can visit City of Melbourne[1] for more information on the budget spend.
Keeping informed
We know that there has been some misinformation about our intentions for renewal in recent months. We understand that many people in the community have a real passion for the market, but we want you to know that our vision and intention for the market has not changed since the master plan was adopted.
We are completely committed to protecting the essential character and heritage of the market that we all know and love, while upgrading trader facilities to improve safety and infrastructure to better meet your needs. We’re confident that renewal will be great for the market, for you as traders, your customers and for Melbourne as a whole.
We’d encourage you to take another look at the master plan and talk to Queen Victoria Market management. If you have any questions or comments about the renewal program, please do not hesitate to contact either of usor you can email at any time.
Sincerely
Ben Rimmer
Chief Executive Officer
City of Melbourne
Victor Ailakis
Acting Chief Executive Officer
Queen Victoria Market Pty Ltd
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