Preston Market is an important place to the Darebin community - a vibrant hub of culture, fresh food, small business and local connection. Over the past few years, Council has actively engaged with our community and advocated through the state-led planning process to ensure the market’s character, heritage significance and role in our city are recognised in the future redevelopment of the Preston Market Precinct.
The new planning controls introduced by the Minister for Planning in August 2023 recognise the local heritage significance of the Market and support substantial retention of the market in its current place. The Minister for Planning is the decision maker on future planning permissions for Preston Market, for example assessing a development plan or planning permit applications. Council will respond proactively to a state referral on a Development Plan to ensure future development protects the market's significance and operations while consulting and supporting traders.
You can read more about the community engagement work that has informed this journey on our Preston Market YourSay page.