Deadlock threatens $650m Melbourne market project
An ambitious $650 million plan to refresh Melbourne’s historic market is at risk of collapse with the state government and city hall at loggerheads over the project.
The stalemate centres on a 196-metre high residential tower that the city council has proposed on a large parcel of land it now controls next to Queen Victoria Market.
The 58-storey building is the linchpin in a series of related projects that will ultimately allow the council to deliver a wide-ranging refurbishment of the 130-year-old market.
Lord mayor Robert Doyle upped the ante over the weekend, warning that unless the stalemate with Planning Minister Richard Wynne is resolved promptly, the tower will not start in time.
The proposed development includes an apartment tower, hotel, and community facilities next to the market.
For his part Mr Wynne, a lifelong shopper at the market, has raised concerns about the treatment of the heritage sheds in the revamp and warned that towers too close to the market would overwhelm it.
“We’re now batting up against deadlines that start to put the project at risk,” Cr Doyle said.
Private player appointed
In the worst case scenario, “the redevelopment of Queen Vic market does not proceed”, Cr Doyle said. “That’s how serious it is.”
The council has appointed private player PDG Corporation to develop a historic block, known as the Munro site, next to Queen Victoria Market.
Under its deal with council, PDG will develop the 308-unit apartment tower, along with a 300-room hotel.
Significantly for the council, the Munro development will include 56 affordable housing units, a 120-place childcare facility, and a maternal, child health and family services centre.
A community centre and kitchen, artist spaces and a gallery are also part of the Munro development along with a major carpark, which will free up other land around the market.
$90 million community benefit
The council has released the first images of its tower plan along with its estimation of the $90 million benefit the community facilities will bring.
“It’s a series of dominoes,” Cr Doyle said. “Unless the first one falls, the others don’t follow.”
The council has so far been stymied in lodging its development application for the tower until new planning rules recommended for the market precinct are signed off by Mr Wynne.
“The City of Melbourne has invested heavily in this site and is naturally keen to get the best outcome, but there still needs to be a measured and considered approach to any proposed development,” a spokesman for Mr Wynne said on the weekend.
