Markets

  • Email
  • Print

New roof for South Melbourne Market

Council is building a new roof that will cover the existing rooftop carpark and will help to water proof the building. The current roof has been leaking and causing flooding and is in desperate need of repair. The existing roof was constructed using a ‘T-beam bridge’ construction method and rainwater leaks through the structure’s seams causing discomfort to shoppers and damage to stallholder goods. This water seepage is also damaging the building’s concrete and jeopardising the Market’s structure. A new environmentally friendly roof  

The new roof will have a number of benefits including; protecting the building from further water damage and making the building significantly cooler for stallholders and shoppers which has the added benefit of reducing cooling costs and energy usage substantially.   

A new environmentally friendly roof

The new roof will have a number of benefits including:

  • Protecting the building from further water damage and making the building significantly cooler for stallholders and shoppers which has the added benefit of reducing cooling costs and energy usage substantially.
  • Rainwater will be harvested off the roof and used for general floor washing (in non food areas) and toilet flushing. The water harvest system will be able to hold and store enough water to fill half an Olympic sized pool. It will also have the added benefit of reducing heavy rain fall overflowing into the York Street underpass which regularly floods.
  • The shading provided by the new roof will reduce the heat bank properties of the concrete, reducing the energy demand for cooling and reducing stock spoilage inside the Market. The Market will become cooler in summer, improving conditions for shoppers and stallholders alike.
  • The roof will include the installation of solar panels with the ability to install many more in the future to improve the sustainability of the building.

Design and construction

Construction is scheduled to commence in June 2012 and will be completed in November. Minimising impacts on shoppers and maintaining businesses as usual is a top priority for Council. At no time will stallholders have to shut up shop. A traffic and car parking management plan will be in place and the project will be split into stages so that part of the car park remains open during Market operating times. Signage directing shoppers to alternate parking locations will be in place during the project.

The design is in keeping with the style of the area. The overall height and impact is within a suitable scale for the mixed use location and the zig-zag steel roof will reflect both on the industrial past and a modern future.

Frequently asked questions

How much will the new roof cost? 
On top of $13m capital investment in the South Melbourne Market over the past nine years, the Council has set aside $5m over two years for the new roof. This represents a major and continuing investment in an important community asset. 

Has the structure received planning approval?
A planning process that included public consultation was conducted in early 2011.  Council received one objection.  For more information see the South Melbourne Market Committee meeting agendas and minutes.

What public consultation did Council conduct? 
As part of Council’s planning approval process a public consultation was conducted in early 2011. Council received one objection.  For more information see the South Melbourne Market Committee meeting agendas and minutes.

Is the South Melbourne Market heritage listed and does Council need Heritage VIC’s approval? 
No, the Market is not heritage listed and Council does not require permission to construct the new roof.

How tall will the new structure be?
At its highest point the roof sits 7.34m above the south deck of the existing car park.

Will parking be lost during construction?
A traffic and car parking management plan will be in place. The project will be split into stages so that part of the car park remains open during Market operating times. Council is installing six new parking advisory signs throughout South Melbourne. The new signs will provide motorists with real time information on parking availability at the South Melbourne Market car park; the Clarendon centre car park and the South Melbourne Central car parks (including Market St and York St). The new signs will reduce the time drivers spend searching for a car park and reduce traffic congestion.

Will wind make the construction dangerous?
As the construction progresses, areas of the rooftop carpark will be cordoned off to protect the public from construction activity.  The contractor will be responsible for ensuring that unfixed materials are secured at all times, particular during high winds.  Installation of the roof will only be carried out during weather conditions considered safe under OHS legislation.

Click here for more frequently asked questions about the Market.    

For more information  

Contact Katherine Belcher, Project Manager on 9209 6569 or email kbelcher@portphillip.vic.gov.au