Futureproofing South Melbourne Market
South Melbourne Market is the quintessential village market. It is a prosperous, authentic destination that is home to fresh, artisanal and cultural products, and creative and joyful experiences. The Market celebrates local, is a leader in sustainability, and is loved, trusted by its customers and community.
The opportunity
The South Melbourne Market is a 157-year-old community hub and retail center that attracts locals and tourists alike. To keep it thriving, we need funding from the State and Federal Governments to help renew and improve the Market, starting with the York Street area. This will make the Market an even better place for everyone to enjoy.
Why we're advocating
The Market is a valuable asset to our community, but it faces several challenges.
First and foremost, the Market struggles with capacity as it was originally built to accommodate fewer visitors than it currently receives. To address current capacity concerns and meet future growth, additional space is needed.
The Market also requires updates to comply with the latest building regulations, ensuring the safety of all patrons. It's an iconic hub that we want to be accessible and welcoming for all.
Additionally, the area around the Market experiences significant traffic and pedestrian congestion, making it difficult for people to navigate. Addressing these issues is essential for the Market’s continued success and accessibility.
What we're advocating for
To address these challenges and improve the Market, we need financial support from the Federal and State Government to help with the renewal and improvement projects. Our goal is to future-proof the Market for future generations and small businesses, ensuring it remains a vibrant and sustainable hub for years to come.
Improving Accessibility and Inclusivity: We aim to make the Market more accessible and inclusive for traders, visitors, and the local community by enhancing facilities and ensuring compliance with the latest accessibility standards.
Mitigating Vehicle and Pedestrian Congestion: To improve safety, we plan to address vehicle and pedestrian congestion around the Market, making it easier and safer for everyone to navigate the area.
Public Space Improvements: We also want to enhance the areas around the Market, such as extending the footpath on York Street and Coventry Street, adding public seating, and improving the loading bay and back-of-house areas to support future growth.
We are committed to maintaining the South Melbourne Market as a world-class destination for locals, interstate, and international visitors, offering a unique and authentic experience. With these improvements, we can ensure the South Melbourne Market remains a vibrant and welcoming place for everyone.