Future of Melbourne icon on the line with Heritage decision

The future of Melbourne’s much-loved Queen Victoria Market is on the line with a decision by the Heritage Council of Victoria putting the site’s redevelopment plans in jeopardy.

The heritage body ruled the City of Melbourne can’t go ahead with a plan to temporarily move the historic sheds to build storage and a car park underneath.

Acting Lord Mayor of Melbourne Arron Wood told Neil Mitchell the decision has put “the whole project in jeopardy”.

“This finding from Heritage Victoria is almost a blanket refusal which says nothing can be done but a lick of paint,” Cr Wood said.

“We know in the past five years the market hasn’t turned a profit so if we don’t do anything, we’ll have to subsidize the company’s operations at an estimated cost to ratepayers of $100 million over the next 30 years.”

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“The future of the market is on the line here?” Neil asked.

“Absolutely.”

The decision will be appealed by Melbourne City Council.

Photo: AAP