Arabic version: خطة سوق بريستون تحافظ على 81 في المئة من مساحته

According to ABC News, a master plan for Preston Market in Melbourne’s northern suburbs would retain 81 per cent of the existing market footprint while adding about 900 apartments and new commercial space. The plan has been submitted to Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny, and community feedback is open until October 14.

The proposal outlines eight residential towers surrounding the market, ranging from eight to 16 storeys. About 10 per cent of the dwellings would be affordable housing. Developers also propose a new 2,700-square-metre park and an extra 14,000 square metres of “specialty retail” and commercial floor space.

Darebin City Council said it would prepare a submission to the minister and urged local residents to provide their views. Mayor Emily Dimitriadis said the council wanted to make room and accommodation for a growing community while protecting the market’s unique character. She said the future of the precinct should be shaped by people who know, love and rely on the market.

Previous redevelopment proposals prompted controversy, with the council opposing plans that would have demolished much of the old market. The Victorian Greens have called for state and federal governments to acquire Preston Market, which is privately owned by Sydney-based property investment firm Medich Corporation. Greens MP Anasina Gray-Barberio said consultation had been “woefully inadequate” and called for plans that put the community and traders first.