Melbourne icon under threat from developers – but locals are fighting back

Preston Market in Melbourne’s inner north was built in the 1960s and opened to the public in August 1970. A well-loved community hub for generations, it is now under threat from developers Salta Properties (self-described as “one of Australia's largest privately-owned companies”) and the Medich Corporation, a Sydney property firm which came to notoriety after the 2018 murder conviction of Ron Medich and 2015 illegal dumping of asbestos waste.
 

image source: SBS

Andrews Government Backing Private Developers
 

Unlike South Melbourne Market and Queen Victoria Market, which are protected in the interests of local people, the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) under the direction of the Planning Minister in Daniel Andrews’ Labor Party government has fast-tracked a proposal which would give the green light to developers Salta Properties and the Medich Corporation to demolish 80% of the market and replace it with highrise apartment buildings of 20,18 and 12 stories containing over 2200 apartments crammed into the market site.

Preston Market is Melbourne’s only market of local and historical significance which is not owned by its local council. A David vs Goliath battle is developing, with a campaign steadily gaining momentum which urges the Andrews state government to compulsorily acquire the market and put it in public hands through the local council.

Empty Apartments Looming Over Yarra & Darebin

The Salta Group recently completed a development on the Yarra named Walmer which was opposed by dismayed locals. These massive blocks now sit untenanted and empty against the Melbourne skyline, with the developers unable to sell the apartments. 

Darebin resident groups are increasingly concerned that if the VPA facilitate Salta & Medich’s vision for Preston Markets, it will result in a similar outcome to that of Walmer and Moonee Ponds Market. The much-loved former market in Melbourne’s north-west was originally intended to be preserved as part of redevelopment, the original plans for which Moonee Valley Councillors labelled another “Docklands wasteland” that would create “zombie towers” in the heart of Moonee Ponds. The former market site has now been transformed into a 29-story luxury apartment complex. 

Local Facebook groups numbering memberships of over 6,000 including Preston, Thornbury & Northcote and The Spine that Binds Us, Save Our Preston Market and The Republic of Prestonia have seen an outpouring of support and anger that Preston Market’s redevelopment plan to preserve the market is a “red herring” that will eventuate in further private development and loss of public amenities. 

Northcote residents groups have similarly urged local council and MPs to pursue this issue as a matter of urgency, with the landmark Northcote Plaza likewise slated for demolition under plans to redevelop the iconic Plaza into a 28-storey residential tower with shopping centre.

Local Architects Unveil Alternative COMMUNITY VISION Proposal

An alternative blueprint is being put forward by the Save The Preston Market Action Group (STPM Action Group), which would see Preston Market publicly acquired for civic development and used in a manner that supports local community rather than offers further opportunities for private development. 

Local architects and planners together with the STPM Action Group have synthesized a Community Vision based on community submissions which were put forth in response to the VPA’s proposal in 2021. Of the 386 submissions received by the VPA, 381 were critical of the plan, with the only ones in favour being that of the developer and a handful of private interests. 

This alternative Community Vision will be launched at a picnic outside Darebin Town Hall on Saturday 26th February from 11am to 1pm, with community members who wish to learn more about the future of Preston Market being urged to have their say. Food, kids games and facepainting are planned are planned for the picnic event, which the STPM Action Group hopes will engage Darebin Council and local Labor Party MPs Robin Scott and Ged Kearney, all of whom have spoken out in support of saving Preston Market but none of whom have made a commitment to supporting an alternative plan for compulsory acquisition.

The Community Vision will be presented this Sat 26 Feb together with plans and blueprints, with the STPM Action Group welcoming public input. The goal is to get the community involved with the process of building a new vision for the market, as the opinion of local people (many of whom have lived in the area for generations) is very important in terms of considering what the public wants from the market and the space. Outcomes from this consulting process will be implemented in the final plans put forward to local council and state government.

DOWNLOAD COMMUNITY VISION MASTERPLAN PDF – LARGE [32 MB]

DOWNLOAD COMMUNITY VISION MASTERPLAN PDF – SMALL [700 KB]

DOWNLOAD MASSING PLAN PDF [2 MB] 

About STPM Action Group

Save The Preston Market Action Group is a local volunteer group of people living in and around Melbourne’s northern suburbs who wish to see Preston Market developed for the local community rather than for private profit. The STPM Action Group is not aligned or associated with any political party or interest group and is operated on a purely volunteer basis. 

To find out more or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson for the group, please visit https://savetheprestonmarket.com/ or contact the STPM Action group at savetheprestonmarket@gmail.com or 0469 896460.