Sky’s the limit for Queen Victoria Market greenhouse

The City of Melbourne is inviting the best and brightest in sustainability, technology, education and hospitality to submit ideas for a greenhouse which will sit atop the new market pavilion at Queen Victoria Market.

Deputy Lord Mayor and Chair of the Finance and Governance Portfolio Arron Wood said the City of Melbourne is seeking expressions of interest to pilot innovative concepts for the 900 square metre glass rooftop space in the heart of the market precinct.

“More than 10 million people visit Queen Victoria Market every year, so this is an unprecedented opportunity for specialists in fresh food production, education, hospitality, sustainability and technology to fit out and operate a coveted space,” the Deputy Lord Mayor said.

“From gardens filled with heirloom fruit, vegetables and Indigenous plants to a microbrewery, bakery and cooking displays, the sky’s the limit for what could be achieved in this exciting new rooftop area.”

The temporary market pavilion will be erected on Queen Street to ensure relocated traders can continue to trade throughout renewal and customers have another vibrant place to shop and visit.

The 120-metre glasshouse structure, designed by Breathe Architecture, will be suspended on columns nine metres in the air with an open air trading floor at ground level. Construction on the modular structure is expected to begin next month, with traders to relocate to the pavilion in March 2018 and the greenhouse to begin operating in mid-2018.

“We are committed to ensuring there are plenty of reasons for customers to keep coming to Queen Victoria Market while the renewal program is underway,” the Deputy Lord Mayor said.

“That is why we are investing $5.6 million in this unique temporary pavilion which will become a major attraction in its own right and will undoubtedly draw even more people to the market.

“In addition to reflecting Queen Victoria Market’s proud tradition as a fresh produce market, the pavilion will give traders improved access to refrigeration, water, power and storage with a focus on sustainability. It is a great opportunity to work with traders to develop and trial new trading formats and visual merchandising options.”

Last month, the City of Melbourne unveiled plans for a smaller but deeper footprint for the below ground operational area A to D Sheds. This means the new market pavilion can be reduced to 120 metres, less than half the original proposed size, with the second stage to be built if required.

“After listening to customers and trader feedback, we developed an approach that delivers the back-of-house facilities traders have long requested while limiting shed removal and minimising disruption to market trade during renewal,” the Deputy Lord Mayor said.

“With Queen Victoria Market turning 140 years old next year, there is no better time to begin the renewal of Melbourne’s market so it remains a part of our city for generations to come.”

Expressions of interest opened Saturday 2 September 2017 and close at 11am Monday 9 October 2017. For further details, visit the City of Melbourne website.