Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Mark Stone AM said today there must be no further delays in putting the approved plan for the Queen Victoria Market (QVM) into action.

“The Queen Victoria Market is an iconic part of Melbourne’s history, trading for 138 years, and its facilities need to be updated for it to thrive for another 140 years,” Mr Stone said.

“The City of Melbourne and State Government have agreed on a plan that will see the long-awaited renewal finally happen. Our city needs its central market to be functioning at its best, and the time for action is now.

“This plan has been subject to 60 comprehensive studies on different aspects of renewal and 7500 submissions through community engagement. After five years, the Renewal Program is finally ready to proceed and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry reinforces its support for work to begin on the approved plan as soon as possible.”

The City of Melbourne predicts the QVM Renewal Program will provide a $1.2 billion net benefit to the community, 60,000 jobs (from in the precinct and 2500 construction jobs) and guarantee a spot for 628 small businesses during the renewal.

“Our key concern here is for the small businesses in the Queen Victoria Market to have the best chance of success in the future. The improvements will including modern refrigeration, power, hot and cold running water, improved car parking and pedestrian access,” Mr Stone said.

“These improvements will improve trading conditions and position their businesses for future success and will quickly establish itself as a business and community precinct in the City of Melbourne.”