Work to repair, conserve and restore the market’s historic open-air sheds have been accelerated to encompass a larger area of the upper market while we navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant impact to visitation. Once the Victorian Government lifts the restrictions on non-food market stalls, during Stage 1 works (Sheds J to M), the upper market will operate across Sheds A to F.
Under the revised works program all of the market’s sheds will be restored by 2022, reducing disruption to market traders and customers by around eight to twelve months. The works are authorised under Heritage Victoria Permit Number P318866.
Protecting the market’s heritage is critical to the market’s long term future and ensure the market is well prepared for the return of traders, shoppers and tourists alike.
Stage 1: Sheds J to M Until around December 2020, works will be undertaken by a qualified heritage builder to restore Sheds J to M. Works include:
- repair and strengthening of metal elements such as trusses
- repair of timber elements including posts
- repair of verandahs
- painting
- new insulated roofing to improve temperature under the sheds (including removal of the old roof)
- upgrade of services including power, lighting and solar panels.
Work area - Stage 1
Conservation works trial
Trial works to restore the open air sheds are nearing completion at the upper Peel Street ends of A and C sheds.
Under Heritage Victoria permit exemption P30631 a heritage builder has udnertaken works to restore timber posts and beams, structural steel, the gable ends and verandahs, and painting.
Works information as at 25 May