This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE redevelopment of Melbourne’s iconic Preston Market is set to be protected under new planning controls introduced by the Andrews government.
Victorian Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said the new planning controls, including a Heritage Overlay and a Development Plan Overlay, will be introduced to protect the market’s historical, aesthetic, technical and social significance.
The plan comes after an independent advisory committee was consulted on the draft plan for the future of the market precinct. The committee found that there is a strong strategic justification for the plan, but that more work is needed to protect the market’s heritage and ensure its preservation for future generations.
Under the new plan, any future development proposal must consider the Heritage Overlay and Development Plan Overlay and show how the market will be protected. The Heritage Overlay will provide certainty on the features of the market that must be preserved if any development is to occur, ensuring that a significant proportion of the existing market is retained.
Height controls will be specified in line with the committee’s findings that mid-rise development is appropriate, with a context plan prepared to guide future development and give the community certainty on the precinct. The plan also includes an Activity Centre Zone, Development Contributions Plan Overlay, Environmental Audit Overlay and a Parking Overlay to help implement the Committee’s recommended planning controls.
The redevelopment of Preston Market has been a contentious issue for developers and the local community. A year ago the owners, Salta Properties and Medich Corporation and Preston Market Development (PMD) Pty Ltd, rejected the government’s proposal for the precinct, claiming the proposed changes would make a commercial future at the site impossible.
The previous Minister for Planning Richard Wynne, who retired at the November 2022 State Election, imposed significant height limits to the proposal.
Minister Kilkenny thanked every member of the community who has taken the time to have their say on this important landmark in Melbourne’s north.
“We’re protecting the Preston Market and ensuring it remains a social and cultural landmark for the community – and preserving its history for future generations to enjoy.” The Minister will introduce a planning scheme amendment in the coming months to give effect to these changes.” Kilkenny concluded.
