Melburnians are being encouraged to have their say on the City of Melbourne Council’s vision for Market Square, which it says is set to become a magnet for locals and visitors to the Queen Victoria Market precinct.
The 1.8 hectare ‘people’s park’ will be one of the largest in the CBD – with green spaces for people to savour the market experience, relax with family and friends, and enjoy events and activations that will complement the historic market, Council said in a statement.
“A new Market Square will transform our city’s north – creating a wide range of community spaces to boost visitation and improve the way Melburnians experience the iconic Queen Victoria Market precinct,” said Lord Mayor, Sally Capp.
“Our design principles build on existing community feedback, and propose a range of uses for the Square – from expansive lawns and shady trees, to spaces for relaxation, play and events.
“We have an exciting vision for our ‘people’s park’, and we want to ensure our ideas resonate with the community, who’ll be making the most of this spectacular new city space.”
Ahead of detailed concept design, Council is seeking feedback from the community on 11 design principles for the Square – which respond to the Market Square Charter and extensive community engagement.
The principles propose a range of features for the Square, including:
- Expansive lawns for recreation, relaxation and reflection
- Native plants to improve biodiversity in the city
- Large trees to provide shade, helping to meet Council’s 40 per cent target for canopy cover
- A plaza to host events
- A play space
- A garden of acknowledgement, to be developed in partnership with Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and Aboriginal Melbourne
- Paving, planting and ways of moving through the park to respectfully acknowledge the original cemetery.
Community members can also provide feedback on a set of design principles for the Queen’s Corner Building – which will deliver important amenities for traders and the community, and support the precinct through activations and creative experiences.
“A new Market Square will deliver much-needed public open space in one of the city’s fastest growing neighbourhoods – creating welcoming spaces for visitors and the local community to enjoy,” said Environment portfolio lead Councillor, Rohan Leppert.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to convert a major grey space in the CBD into a vibrant, green open space that benefits our community – and we’re encouraging all Melburnians to have their say.”
Engagement will run from Friday 8 September to Sunday 8 October. Council will host a range of activities, including pop-up sessions and stakeholder workshops. For more information, visit Participate Melbourne.
