Locals and fans of Preston Market have vowed to fight a proposed three apartment tower development they fear will lead to higher prices and the vibe of a sterile shopping centre.
The group Save Our Preston Market have launched a change.org petition and joined the City of Darebin in asking Planning Minister Richard Wynne to "call in" the proposal.
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Preston group objects to development
A community group called 'Save Our Preston Market' aims to save Preston Market from over-development due to a proposed apartment complex.
On Sunday, volunteers at a stall at the Darebin Community and Kite Festival at Edwardes Lake in Reservoir handed out flyers and gained 1000 more signatures for their petition.
SOPM committee member Lori-anne Sharp said supporters see the market as "under threat" and want community consultation. The petition asks signatories to "Save Our Preston Market from overdevelopment and becoming a sterile, generic shopping centre".
The group has signed up 2400 people to its Facebook page, and next month volunteers will doorknock local houses.
On February 27, Darebin council voted to reject an application by Preston Market Developments (owned by Salta Properties and Medich Corporation), to build three residential towers - one of 14 storeys and two of 10 storeys with a total of 300 apartments and ground floor retail outlets - on part of what is currently a market car park on Murray Road.
But the developers have announced they will appeal the decision in VCAT. Salta managing director Sam Tarascio said Darebin councillors went against expert advice to the council that the development was consistent with its planning for Preston.
Ms Sharp, of Preston, who says she shops at the market for the cheaper prices, diverse crowd and friendly traders, claimed the towers would wipe 240 car spaces from the current 802 which would exclude many elderly and disabled shoppers. She said the apartments would increase pressure on roads and public transport.
She said Save Our Preston Market does not oppose "any" development, but believes the proposed towers are too high for Preston and an influx of residents could encourage market trader rent hikes which would flow on to retail price increases.
The fear was that gentrification would invite "brand" stores such as convenience and coffee chains to move in, "rather than smaller family-run businesses that provide a unique shopping experience and affordable produce for people in the community".
But Mr Tarascio said the developers had demonstrated their long-term commitment to the market by their council-approved $4 million upgrade, which was currently in progress and included new toilets and parents' rooms, new seating areas, play equipment and sustainable features such as solar panels.
The proposed towers didn't affect the current market footprint, he said. They would be "adjacent to the existing market, retaining the integrity of the open air market and ensuring traders can continue to operate during construction".