Twenty-six independent traders in bespoke shipping containers now call String Bean Alley home and provide a uniquely Melbourne shopping experience in the heart of the city’s favourite market.
With a history dating back to 1936, the name String Bean Alley pays tribute to the laneway where green string beans were once sold.
Twelve new businesses have joined existing traders to offer a variety of locally designed, sourced or
produced fashion, vintage, jewellery, art, craft, skincare, toys, books and more.
From indie bookshop Mary Martin Books to handmade cards and gifts from The Paper & Wood Co.,
unique clothing from Miss Brown Vintage, and artisan chocolate makers Melbourne Cocoa, String Bean
Alley offers something for everyone.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the revitalisation of String Bean Alley, located between L and M sheds, is part of
the City of Melbourne’s $250 million renewal of the Queen Victoria Market precinct.
“String Bean Alley is the new place to find Melbourne’s best independent makers, creators, designers and artists,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We expect the unique shopping experience and facilities to attract more customers to this part of the
market, as well as provide weather protection and storage for traders.”
“More than nine million visitors come to the Queen Vic Market each year for its traditional open-air market experience and this magnificent new precinct will be a drawcard for new and existing customers.
“This is the latest project we have delivered to improve the experience for customers, traders and visitors to the Market. We’ve also installed new seating, fruit trees and umbrellas in the new pedestrian plaza on Queen Street, along with our red coat volunteers at the Visitor Hub.”
Stan Liacos, Queen Victoria Market Chief Executive Officer, said that the revitalisation of String Bean Alley was crucial to encourage new visitors to the Market, while celebrating the rich history of the Market.
“The String Bean Alley precinct represents a new era for the Market,” Mr Liacos said.
“This section of the Market is now acting as a small business incubator, providing a platform for specialist traders offering products and services that are locally designed, sourced or produced.”
String Bean Alley and the new pedestrian plaza on Queen Street are part of a series of key market
improvements as identified in the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal Master Plan. These projects
directly address feedback from customers and traders and as well as recommendations from the People’s Panel.
String Bean Alley traders are open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and on Wednesday evenings during The Night Market event series.
ABOUT STRING BEAN ALLEY
- 26 independent local businesses, including 12 new in 2019, operating in new shipping container stores lining the revitalised String Bean Alley at Queen Victoria Market.
- Opening days/hours: Open on Fridays 8am-3pm, Saturdays 8am-3pm, Sundays 9am-4pm and on Wednesday evenings 5pm-10pm during The Night Market event series.
- Access String Bean Alley from Queen or Peel streets, or from the main Queen Victoria Market car park.
- qvm.com.au/stringbeanalley