Cbus and PDG have been asked to present their final bids in April to become Council’s preferred developer of the prime 6329 square metre site at the corner of Queen and Therry streets.
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said redevelopment of the Munro site would provide job opportunities, affordable housing, customer car parking, and specialty shops, café and hospitality services to complement the Queen Victoria Market’s offerings.
“The City of Melbourne has conducted a rigorous process in order to get the best development outcome for this iconic site and I look forward to working with the successful developer to deliver on Council’s vision for an exemplar mixed-use development,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The Munro site is a vital component of the Queen Victoria Market project. Council has invested heavily, having purchased this strategic site in October 2014 for $76 million and committed up to $250 million for renewal of the Queen Victoria Market Precinct.”
Cr Doyle said Council was committed to protecting the market, which is one of the last 19th century metropolitan markets in Australia, while also planning for forecast inner city growth.
“Queen Victoria Market is Melbourne’s market. It has a unique history and provides shoppers with the opportunity to linger and enjoy the simplicity of market shopping,” he said.
“We have a clear vision to protect and enhance the Queen Victoria Market Precinct. This includes improving public spaces, providing a mix of housing, retail and commercial opportunities, preserving heritage spaces and making sure that Queen Victoria Market remains Melbourne’s market forever.”
An evaluation panel comprising representatives from the City of Melbourne and Queen Victoria Market Pty Ltd management will evaluate the best and final offers. This panel has access to advice from subject matter experts in probity, design, planning, finance, law, sustainability and governance, as well as several other fields.
The City of Melbourne expects to execute a Development Agreement with the successful bidder in mid-2016.
For more information about the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal, visit www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/queenvictoriamarket