The proposed redevelopment plan for Preston Market in Melbourne’s northern suburbs has been rejected, but stallholders remain uncertain about their future, according to The Age.
Preston Market’s joint owners – Salta Properties and Medich Corporation – had proposed to build 2,200 apartments in blocks up to 20-storeys high.
On Monday, Victorian Planning Minister, Sonya Kilkenny, said she would set planning controls for the development, with buildings to be as tall as 14 storeys and only 1,200 apartments.
“The market must be protected and preserved,” Ms Kilkenny said.
The Minister’s statement came after an advisory committee from the Victorian Planning Authority found some development on the site was appropriate but “more of the land should be afforded protections.”
Despite this, the market’s owners and community advocates told The Age they were frustrated about the Minister’s announcement not being specific enough.
“Traders have a right to feel completely abandoned by a process that has delivered nothing but uncertainty for their business,” Salta Properties said.
Last year, Jim Katsaros, the owner of Athina’s Deli, also voiced his frustration over the proposed re-development plans and said: “How many billions do you want to make?”
Source: The Age
