The City of Stonnington has resolved to continue a free parking validation model for customers of the Prahran Market, following a successful trial which commenced in September 2025.
Shoppers who spend $20 at the market and validate their ticket with a trader will continue to be able to access 1 hour of free parking at the Elizabeth Street carpark between 7am and 11am on Market Days.
An increase in both footfall and dwell time was seen over the trial period, which is encouraging for the small businesses and traders who are the lifeblood of the market.
"Council is always looking for ways to help shoppers to come to the Chapel St precinct and support the small businesses that make up Australia's oldest food market," said Mayor Cr Melina Sehr.
Unfortunately, the Chapel St precinct, including the Elizabeth Street carpark, is now subject to a significant new State Government tax, the Congestion Levy, which has increased parking fees for patrons at all off-street carparks. This tax is having a significant impact on the viability of Council's carparks.
"Council will continue to assess with a financial sustainability lens how we balance supporting our traders and helping our community to 'shop local', while making sure that our carparks remain viable. This tax will significantly impact the visitation of the precinct, so we will continue monitoring its impact and make further strategic decisions about our carparks in coming months and years," Mayor Sehr said.
