Friends of Queen Victoria Market slam Gurrowa Place approval

Some traders and marketgoers have taken a stand against the federal government’s environmental approval of the Gurrowa Place redevelopment at Queen Victoria Market.

It has been ruled that the $1.7 billion development would meet national heritage protections under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.

In light of the decision, Federal Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt said the project had been designed to respect the market’s heritage while meeting critical housing needs.

“Through thoughtful design, this project will provide new and much-needed housing while ensuring this Melbourne icon can be enjoyed for many years to come,” Minister Watt said.

However, this has left some traders and marketgoers concerned about the impact it will have on the market.

In a letter sent to Minister Watt, the president of Friends of Queen Victoria Market Mary-Lou Howie expressed her disapproval of the decision.

“We are appalled by your decision in approving Gurrowa Place at Queen Victoria Market. It reeks of opportunism,” she wrote.

“This decision makes a mockery of Australia’s protection of its National Heritage,” she added. “Can we expect to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge as Australia’s Ponte Vecchio and imagine the commercial opportunity on the Sydney Opera House forecourt?”

Ms Howie argues that many aspects of the ruling neglect important criteria embedded in the EPBC Act.

In addition, she believes the decision has ignored how this development will immobilise traffic around the market for six to eight years during construction.

“The consequences will be dire for customer access and the viability of traders. Poor stewardship by the [City of Melbourne] council has already led to a diminished market, which is known internationally as the heartbeat of Melbourne,” Ms Howie said.

As reported earlier by CBD News, Lord Mayor Nick Reece welcomed the decision and is confident the development does not impact the heritage of the market.

“Lendlease and the City of Melbourne can now confidently move forward with groundbreaking plans to transform the precinct – attracting thousands of new residents, workers and visitors, while boosting business for traders,” he said.

“This development will also make a major dent in the housing crisis – delivering new homes, including affordable housing, which the city desperately needs.”

The approval paves the way for the delivery of more than 2200 new residences, including 1100 apartments and 1150 student accommodation rooms.

However, long-time CBD resident Sean Kelly, who has lived in the area for more than 30 years, questioned the impact the project will have on the housing crisis.

“We’re told this is a win for housing, for affordability, for ‘revitalisation’, but peel back the layers, and you’ll find a blueprint not for homes – but for exclusion,” he said.

“Gurrowa Place promises 2250 new residences – 1100 apartments and 1150 student rooms – with just 130 flagged as low-cost,” he said.

“In truth, this isn’t about homes. It’s about yield per square metre. It’s about slicing the human experience into floor plans optimised for developer profit, with just enough greenery and heritage paint to get past the planners.” •