Victorian Era Lighting at Queen Victoria Market

There is much tradition to enjoy at Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market. The open heritage sheds offer a unique retailing environment and the voyage of discovery is enhanced by the hustle and bustle of market trading. But there are some aspects of Victorian era trading that are best left behind and dim lighting is one of them.

In the Victorian era it was gas lighting and some areas under the Queen Victoria market sheds would struggle to improve on the light cast by an open flame. Readings as low as 15 lux have been recorded during normal trading hours in K shed. Emergency stairwells, corridors and passageways require a minimum of 40 lux to meet Australian Standards. Our research suggests we are far short of the light levels required for the most basic food preparation and counter activities let alone for retailing purposes.  

Customers have come to expect modern facilities at the Queen Victoria Market like scrupulously clean food serving areas, electronic EFTPOS facilities and digital online access to market services. Basic needs like lighting need to keep pace with modern retailing. 

Lighting a retail environment is almost a science unto itself and elements of electric lighting, natural lighting and stock merchandising all need to be taken into account. It is time this matter was given appropriate attention. Our customers deserve a better trading environment.

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COMMENTS:
18/4/2013 1335  Lighting  "John Magno here,  just wondering where the LUX METER is today. The lighting is shocking. You all really need to get on to it ASAP, IT'S SHOCKING!!!"