The program aims to preserve the Queen Victoria Market’s heritage and traditional market atmosphere, while allowing the market precinct to evolve and meet the contemporary needs of visitors, traders and our growing city. Improvements to the physical environment will allow a flourishing market to grow and evolve into the future.

A series of strategic projects will be undertaken in stages that will position Melbourne’s traditional working market at the heart of a lively inner city precinct.

The Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal Master Plan was shaped by feedback from more than 7,500 people The plan outlines a wide variety of proposals to revitalise the market precinct with a strong focus on improving the trader, customer and community experience. It outlines options for preserving and celebrating the market’s long history, enhancing facilities for traders and market visitors, and providing more open spaces and places for events, eating and meeting.

For more information on the market renewal program, visit the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal page.

As well-loved as it is, the market is in a state of physical and financial decline. The market is lacking in amenities, facilities and spaces to adequately provide for present-day and future needs.

The site faces increasing challenges in terms of complying with modern day operating standards and legislative requirements, including with respect to work, health and safety and food safety. There is significant potential to make greater use of the 7 hectare site, with new and enhanced public open spaces and a more diverse market offer, including events and activities that complement the traditional market.

Moderate investment will not address the market’s challenges in the long-term, and a business as usual approach will result in a continued loss of profitability. Only a full scale investment will ensure the future viability of the market. The renewal program aims to secure the market’s place as a traditional open-air market – retaining its heritage, traditions, unique offer and authenticity by making it more financially viable and equipped to support contemporary business requirements into the future.

Given the scale and scope of the renewal program across the precinct, the works will be carried out in stages over a number of years in consultation with market management, traders and other stakeholders to minimise disruption.

The Implementation Framework (2016) and project timeline outlines how the key projects and works packages will be staged year by year with the renewal program expected to be completed in 2026.

It’s business as usual at the market throughout the renewal program, and works will be staged to reduce business impacts where possible. Despite this, we recognise that delivery of the renewal program will inevitably cause some disruption.

The City of Melbourne has developed an innovative package to provide dedicated business and financial support for traders throughout the renewal program. The $8 million package will establish a support program and fund to help traders operate, develop and innovate their businesses.