Part of the Victorian Government’s redevelopment plans for Preston Market in Melbourne’s northern suburbs was a proposal to build 2,200 apartments in blocks up to 20-storeys high.
But last week, Victorian Planning Minister, Richard Wynne, significantly slashed the number of apartments allowed in draft planning rules to a maximum of 1,200.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH), this has created even more friction between apartment owners and stall holders.
The site’s joint owners – Salta Properties and Medich Corporation – said Mr Wynne’s revised draft rules would make rejuvenating the market unviable.
READ MORE: Melbourne locals fear Preston Market could be demolished for new apartments.
On the other hand, stallholder Jim Katsaros, owner of Athina’s Deli, questioned the legitimacy of the owner’s concerns.
“How many billions do you want to make?” Mr Katsaros told the SMH.
“Fourteen-storey apartment blocks are not enough for them? Well, it becomes, at the end of the day, a selfish proposition overall.”
Mr Wynne has referred the draft masterplan to an advisory committee from the Victorian Planning Authority for review and public hearings. The committee will report back in July.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald.
