A large number of issues were discussed and will be further examined over coming months with plans and documentation to come. In the meantime the city has released a summary of the latest proposal which will go to City Council next Tuesday for ratification.
Here is the release on the CoM website this afternoon -
The City of
Melbourne has revealed an innovative package to provide dedicated business and
financial support for traders at Queen Victoria Market when market renewal
works begin later this year.
Acting Lord
Mayor Arron Wood said Council will consider a commitment of at least $8 million
to establish a support program and fund to help traders operate, develop and
innovate their businesses throughout the five-year renewal program.
We will also
propose to establish a team of business partners who will be available for
traders who would like assistance during the renewal program. This support
includes one-on-one business mentoring with traders on business development
opportunities and customer retention.
“Queen
Victoria Market is home to some 700 small businesses who are at the heart of
the market and an integral part of its future,” Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood
said.
“The
recently-released independent business case showed us that doing nothing is not
an option and without intervention, businesses will continue to decline.”
“That is why
we are working with traders and market management every step of the way to
ensure their businesses can thrive into the future.
At its
meeting next Tuesday, Council will consider a revised design for a reduced
footprint for the below ground operational area under A to D sheds after
listening to trader and customer feedback.
The
operational area under Sheds A to D will deliver 26,000m2 of floor area,
including:
Mezzanine:
dedicated trader amenities including showers, toilets, break out spaces,
lockers and change room facilities;
Level 1:
capacity for large vehicles including delivery trucks and garbage vehicles with
a loading dock and separate area for forklifts;
Level 2:
dedicated trader loading and unloading with parking for trader vehicles,
storage, cool rooms, food preparation areas, recycling and waste management
facilities;
Level 3: 220
customer car parking spaces with lift access taking customers direct to heart
of the upper fresh food market, which traders had asked Council to consider. An
additional 500 customer car parks to be located at the Munro site.
“Our
proposed plan is for a smaller but deeper footprint for the below ground
facilities at the western end of A to D Shed,” the Acting Lord Mayor said.
“This will
allow the Queen Street end of the heritage sheds to remain in place for ongoing
trading and reduced disruption. These and all the remaining sheds will be
restored on site.
“The amended
below ground design means the new market pavilion can be reduced to 120 metres,
less than half the original proposed size.”
The Acting
Lord Mayor said the new approach delivers the back-of-house facilities traders
have requested while limiting shed removal and minimising disruption to market
trade during renewal. The new market pavilion will ensure the market can
continue to trade throughout renewal works by providing a temporary home for
traders in Queen Street. Construction is expected to get underway in October
2017.
The Acting
Lord Mayor said that the City of Melbourne recognises that with change comes
uncertainty.
The trader
support fund can be accessed by traders who meet certain eligibility criteria
and can demonstrate that their businesses have been impacted by renewal.
“Council
previously pledged that any business that can demonstrate its income has been
impacted by renewal works would receive financial assistance,” the Acting Lord
Mayor said. “However, we are confident that access to this fund will be modest
as we strive to limit disruption and work closely with traders to understand
their business needs.
“At its
core, Queen Vic will remain a fresh produce, open air market and will retain
its unique atmosphere, heritage and affordability.
“Our $250
million renewal program, the largest project in Council’s history, will secure
the future of these small businesses for future generations and ensure
Melbourne’s much-loved market can attract new traders and customers.”