A mysterious
notice was distributed around the upper market on Saturday inviting traders to
lodge objections to the planned amendments to the New Market Pavilion. We say
mysterious because it wasn’t signed although we have been told that it is from
the usual anti-renewal group.
Just to be
clear, the New Market Pavilion in its original form had already been approved
but it was decided to amend the plans to allow for a smaller footprint which would
still achieve the creation of a dynamic new element to QVM and secure trading
space for displaced traders whilst limiting major disruption.
It is a
shame that the plans had to be amended because the majority of traders are
saying “Can we please just get on with this renewal”. The continuing delays and
consequent expense are probably part of normal activity for this scale of
project but traders are quite rightly craving for some sign of real progress.
Processes like trader relocations, improvements to String Bean Alley, and
tackling issues like trading hours are all inter-twined with renewal.
The good
thing is that the deadline for the period of public notice for the planning
amendment is 22nd February and hopefully the Responsible Authority (City of
Melbourne) will consider the matter shortly after. Then we just have to get the
relevant authorities, including Heritage Victoria, to make their decision on
the underground construction and QVM can start preparing for its next 140 years
of trading.
By Greg
Smith
Have Your Say – click here.