The north-west
corner of the market, bordered by Peel St. Victoria St. and F Shed is to be
given a makeover in a new plan presented to traders this week.
Sheds A
and C have already been the subject of a makeover particularly on weekends with
the introduction of some new specialty markets. These markets are seen as part
of the "market of markets" concept aired in the renewal project and, although
it is early days, existing traders have found some positives in the buzz they
create.
The
makeover will involve some changes in F shed and A shed with the top sector of
F Shed becoming a secondary food court/eating precinct. E shed through to the F shed lane way will be
devoted to seating areas with the addition of some new food stalls on the north
side of E shed. Those new stalls will be
drawn at least partly from existing market traders and will emphasise a drinks/dessert
offer. The vacant shop at the top of F shed is to become a coffee facility
complete with coffee roaster.
A shed
will also undergo a transformation with Fruit & Vegetable traders moving
from the North side of A shed over to vacant positions on the South side of A
shed or the adjoining F&V aisles. This will leave an open area adjacent to
the Victoria St. shops and the opportunity to enhance the presentation of
specialty markets or community based activities in that area. Importantly it
will remove the back-of-house activities (forklifts, pallets, waste) from the
Victoria St./A shed Laneway and make this a safer and more attractive
environment for customers.
These
changes will be supported by bunting and other decorative elements around the
sheds and along Peel St. to enhance the area and let customers know that
something new is happening in the top end. Shop signage is to be updated and
renewed and in F shed a fresh coat of paint and new lighting will enhance the
appearance.
As with
any major change at the market there will be some disruption for a group of
traders. Those who currently operate on the north side of E shed will need to
be relocated. Some of those traders where moved in the initial creation of
seating areas and unfortunately are being asked to move again. Trader
Representatives have impressed on management that considered consultation will
be necessary to ensure that affected traders are given suitable options. We
understand that those options could include activating areas like L shed that
currently don’t trade on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The top
end makeover has only just been announced and there will be much detail to
consider over coming weeks. We welcome your comments.