The Queen Victoria Market’s ongoing redevelopment has divided public opinion. While some traders fear economic repercussions, many visitors remain unaware of the changes and continue to enjoy their experience.

The advocacy group Friends of Queen Victoria Market took to Facebook to voice renewed concerns about the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal (QVMPR) program on 19 March.

They emphasized that ongoing renovations could disrupt operations, especially the redevelopment of Franklin Street and the market’s car park. The group encouraged the public to pay close attention in the lead-up to October’s Council elections.

Long-time traders have voiced frustrations with the redevelopment plan. A February 22 Facebook post featured fruit and vegetable trader Joe and his son, who fear that future rent increases after 2025 may be passed on to customers, driving them toward supermarkets instead.

Xuan Xuan, owner of a handmade nail pop-up at the market, noted that sales remain low despite high foot traffic.

“Most visitors are here for food or are tourists, our target audience may not be present,” she said.

In contrast, visitors seem largely unaffected. “The experience was good, so I bought fruit and bread,” said Levine, who visited the market recently. He admitted he was unaware of any redevelopment work until reading online comments.

Similarly, Monash student Sophia noted a minor obstruction during her last visit.

“It affects vision a little bit, but not a lot,” she said, adding that the construction did not seriously disrupt her experience.

An update on the Victoria Market redevelopment plan, presented at the Future Melbourne Committee meeting on 5 March, has disclosed that a total of 136 million dollars was expended from project commencement until 31 December 2023.

However, the report concludes with a comprehensive chart outlining current costs associated with the redevelopment plan and emphasizes its purpose of providing council members with information regarding market plan expenses in the second half of 2023.

Both the City of Melbourne and Friends of Queen Victoria Market aim to create an optimal shopping environment for customers, so the crucial communication between traders and the city of Melbourne during market reconstruction.

The "Supporting Traders" initiative in the QVMPR program by the City of Melbourne offers dedicated business and financial support to traders, please click the following link for more information: https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/building-and-development/shaping-the-city/qvm-renewal/traders/Pages/supporting-traders.aspx

Michelle Yu

Traders express concern over Victoria Market redevelopment while visitors remain largely unaware