The
similarities between Spitalfields, London's oldest market, and QVM is more than
just Victorian architecture.
Spitalfields
underwent a “re-generation” in 2005 which involved new market areas, updating of old
market areas and a re-think of the market’s role in London’s life. The fresh fruit and vege areas had moved offsite
many years earlier although there is an organic food section in the
re-generated complex. The Spitalfields re-generation included many considerations
like, community activity centre, functions and special event centre, and a
swing to more food including cafes and restaurants.
Spitalfields is smaller than QVM (most markets are) with less than 150 traders on a busy day. In fact there are many ways that QVM trumps other markets. The size of our market and the fact that you can pretty much get anything you want in one place has kept us in the forefront in the past. However, things change and renewal is now needed. It is a great challenge for Melbourne. The challenge will be to renew without destroying the character of one of the world's great markets.
As
discussion on QVM’s renewal progresses, it will
be interesting to see what impact recent overseas markets renewals, like Spitalfields,
will have on our deliberations.
COMMENTS:
27/04/2013 17:31:48 re Spitalfields market "May i suggest you have a look at Camden market... I visited this market 6 months ago and was most impressed. so impressed I went back 3 times in 3 days to see all on my 3 week visit. a perfect mix. if you an imagine our day and evening market in one you will have something close too it." Andy
27/04/2013 17:31:48 re Spitalfields market "May i suggest you have a look at Camden market... I visited this market 6 months ago and was most impressed. so impressed I went back 3 times in 3 days to see all on my 3 week visit. a perfect mix. if you an imagine our day and evening market in one you will have something close too it." Andy