The Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal Program is well underway. In addition to our award-winning restoration of the historic market sheds, we’re working on essential upgrades to the market infrastructure and facilities.
These upgrades are primarily three projects located at the heart of the market that enhance the market experience for traders, customers, and visitors. These developments will boost public amenities and improve the sustainability and safety standards of the precinct whilst maintaining the heritage of the market. They include a brand-new Trader Shed, a renewed Northern Shed and an upgraded Queen Street streetscape between Market Cross and Victoria Street.
The Trader Shed will replace the current 1980s meat and seafood delivery dock with a three-storey above ground facility and four-storey below ground basement. This includes new state-of-the-art climate-controlled storage solutions and dedicated trader dedicated facilities which will transform the day-to-day operations and experience for the market’s 2000 workers.
The Northern Shed will sit at the end of Queen Street, centralising the waste collection for offsite recycling for the entire market. It will also facilitate safety and security improvements with segregated loading facilities and streetscaping, making the market a family friendly pedestrian space during operating hours. Centralising the back of house facilities will vastly improve the operations of the market, seamlessly connecting to the Northern Shed via below ground services. This will provide greater versatility for trader business and deliveries and remove the current limitations of operating around market trading and public events.
Additionally, the Queen Street streetscape between Market Cross and Victoria Street will be upgraded to connect the lower and upper market, transforming the roadway into a new pedestrianised landscape for the public to enjoy. Underground, we are also installing water reuse and storm water tanks to boost sustainability across the precinct.
These works commenced in 2024 and respond to the needs articulated by the members of the 2018 People’s Panel, made up of trader representatives, customers, residents, and interested stakeholders. As an important city-defining destination, these facility upgrades and additions will allow businesses to thrive and enhance the market experience for the public.
