Small businesses that operate from the Queen Victoria Market will have their lease and licence costs frozen, traders will get a direct line to Town Hall, and parking restrictions will be reviewed, as part of a re-elected Nick Reece four-point plan to keep the market thriving while major work is underway to upgrade the Market.
The Queen Victoria Market is part of the fabric of the City of Melbourne – that’s why hundreds of millions of dollars are being invested to safeguard it for future generations.
But we know that this is disruptive for traders, who have worked around construction for years and who have often been displaced from their usual tenancies, and they deserve certainty during this period.
There are over 500 small businesses that operate from the Queen Victoria Market – including over 150 fresh food lease holders, and 300 general merchandise licence holders – and all of them will benefit from this policy.
The QVM Four-Point Plan to be implemented by a re-elected Nick Reece as Lord Mayor includes:
- Freezing Costs for Traders: Recognising the challenges traders face during the renewal period, a rebate will be provided so that no existing day market traders will see an increase in lease or licence costs over the next four years. This will be funded by reforming the Council’s Trader Support Fund, so traders receive much-needed financial stability and peace of mind.
- Making It Easier to Stop and Shop: To encourage more customers to visit the market, on-street parking around the market will be reviewed and a new Traffic Management Plan commissioned. This will prioritise vehicle access to the QVM car parks, ensuring that customers can more easily access the market by car, bike, or public transport.
- A Stronger Voice for Traders: A new Trader Advisory Panel will be established to provide strategic advice directly to the Council and the Queen Victoria Market Board. This panel will present quarterly to the board, and give traders input to key decisions from customer accessibility to marketing strategies, ensuring that the market remains responsive to the needs of those who depend on it most.
- More promotion for the Market: The City of Melbourne will boost funding to support more marketing campaigns and special events to help attract even more people to the QVM.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Nick Reece:
“Queen Victoria Market is the heart and soul of Melbourne – I want to ensure it remains a thriving hub for locals and the thousands of people who come to the market every week.”
“Freezing costs for traders is just one way we can offer certainty and stability at a time of significant change at the market - with this plan, we’re putting traders and customers back at the heart of our market’s future.”
Quotes attributable to Councillor and Deputy Lord Mayor Candidate Roshena Campbell:
“This plan is about listening to our traders and making sure they have what they need to thrive, including rate freezes and a direct say in what happens to the Market.
“As we near the completion of the market renewal, it’s crucial that we focus on what matters most – supporting our traders and ensuring the market is accessible and welcoming for all.”
Quotes attributable to Team Nick Reece Candidate and Queen Victoria Market Retailer Mark Scott:
“As a retailer at Queen Victoria Market, I know firsthand the challenges traders face. This plan is exactly what we need to ensure our market remains vibrant and successful.”
“Nick’s commitment to freezing costs and improving access is a game-changer for traders. It’s the support we need to survive, continue serving our customers and keep the market thriving.”
