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Industry News, Latest News, Victoria

City of Melbourne to spend $168.5M on construction for economic recovery

Queen Victoria Market

The City of Melbourne plans to invest $168.5 million into infrastructure construction to stimulate the economy over 2020.

Funds will go towards renewing the Queen Victoria Market precinct, restoring the Melbourne Town Hall and delivering women’s sporting facilities.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the infrastructure stimulus outlined in the City of Melbourne’s draft Annual Plan and Budget 2020-21 will create jobs and support Melbourne’s economy as it emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Now, more than ever, it’s critical that we get on with the renewal of Queen Victoria Market precinct. We’re investing $45 million this year to improve conditions for traders and shoppers while preserving the unique heritage and character of the market,” Capp said.

“The market is home to more than 600 small businesses and a 2000-strong workforce. The vast majority of these businesses are small family operations with just a few employees so it’s vital that we support the market during these difficult times.”

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Works will begin soon to restore the heritage sheds at the Queen Victoria Market, improving weather protection for the open air sheds. The budget also includes $25 million to deliver 500 car parks next to the market.

“We will deliver a new below-ground customer car park at the Munro development next year, just 20 metres from fresh produce traders’ stalls,” Capp said.

Works at the Melbourne Town Hall have already started. Restoration works will see $6.5 million to improve customer service facilities and restore the 149-year-old roof.

Deputy Lord Mayor Arron Wood called on the federal and state governments to kick-start the economic recovery from COVID-19 by investing in community facilities such as new pavilions for Brens and Ryder ovals in Royal Park.

Public submissions on the City of Melbourne’s draft Annual Plan and Budget 2020-21 are open from Wednesday 20 May until 5pm on Wednesday 17 June 2020.

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