MELBOURNE, July 11 (Xinhua) -- A 190-million-U.S. dollar redevelopment of Melbourne's iconic Queen Victoria Market (QVM) has been approved, it was announced on Tuesday.
Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria, announced on Tuesday that planning hurdles that would prevent the landmark project had been cleared by the state government.
"These controls will allow work to begin on this transformation of Queen Victoria Market - creating thousands of jobs and helping businesses grow," Andrews told reporters in Melbourne on Tuesday.
"The Queen Victoria Market is the heart and soul of Melbourne and one of the great markets of the world. It's important we protect its rich history, while we build its bright future."
Andrews confirmed that existing buildings within the market such as food and retail sheds would be protected as the government and City of Melbourne continued to seek a World Heritage listing for the site.
The redevelopment will be the first major renovation of the site in its 139-year history with new cold storage facilities to be built as well as improved parking and pedestrian access.
The project has faced some backlash from traders at the market who have argued that the redevelopment would destroy its open-air character.
A report released by the City of Melbourne in July, led by Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, found that the QVM was headed towards a slow death without a major redevelopment.
"I am pleased that the Victorian government's announcement today will enable us to get on with delivering the biggest project the City of Melbourne has ever undertaken," Doyle said on Tuesday.
The market, which is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, is one of Melbourne's biggest attractions, drawing 10 million visitors every year.
Tourism Victoria named it the number one destination for international visitors to Melbourne in 2016. Enditem
A single purchase
