Green Star accreditation given to Queen Victoria Market renewal
The City of Melbourne has become the first Australian local government to receive the 6 Star Green Star – Communities accreditation for its visionary Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal program.
Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood said the Green Building Council of Australia awarded its highest rating following an assessment of the renewal master plan against best practice benchmarks for liveability, environmental sustainability, design excellence, prosperity, governance and innovation.
“The 6 Star Green Star – Communities rating is an endorsement of the City of Melbourne’s leadership in delivering a world class sustainable precinct that will thrive into the future,” the Acting Lord Mayor said.
“Through our $250 million renewal program, we have an unrivalled opportunity to implement sustainable practices that will benefit traders, residents and businesses for generations to come.”
The City of Melbourne worked closely with Queen Victoria Market Pty Ltd on the Green Star – Communities submission and the agreed commitments will be jointly delivered over the next five years.
The Acting Lord Mayor said the independent business case demonstrated that Queen Victoria Market cannot survive as a unique inner city fresh produce market without significant investment.
“In today’s modern market place, it is clear that we need to upgrade the operating modes, amenities and waste management systems to ensure Queen Victoria Market remains viable into the future,” the Acting Lord Mayor said.
Key sustainable infrastructure delivered through the renewal program includes:
- Large scale waste and organic recycling facilities onsite to deal with the annual 6000 tonnes of solid and 60 tonnes of organic waste along with meat and offal waste;
- Solar power and battery storage to generate on-site renewable energy;
- Rainwater collection, stormwater harvesting and water recycling to reduce water consumption and
- More public open space with planting, trees and water sensitive landscaping.
The market precinct in the expanding City North has been identified as a key growth area in the City of Melbourne’s municipality.
“The number of residents in City North is estimated to grow to 22,000 by 2040, creating opportunities and challenges while increasing the importance of open space,” the Acting Lord Mayor said.
“That is why we will transform the current customer car park into Market Square, the largest public space since Birrarung Marr that will be a new backyard for this growing residential population.”
“We’re getting on with renewal so we can build a better future for all who work, live and shop in the area.”
“Queen Victoria Market is one of Melbourne’s most loved landmarks,” said Romilly Madew, Chief Executive Officer, Green Building Council of Australia. “The City of Melbourne’s approach strikes the right balance between preserving a heritage icon and rejuvenating an important centre of trade so that it is economically and environmentally sustainable for decades to come.”
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