Victoria's number one tourist attraction and Melbourne institution, the Queen Victoria Market, remains open for business and serving the people of Victoria as it has done for over 140 years, in line with advice from relevant authorities.
The Market is home to the largest concentration of independent small businesses in Australia and traders have strongly felt the effects of COVID-19 and the ripple effect, particularly through a substantial drop in tourism.
The Board and management of the Market and are committed to minimising the impact and supporting traders through this difficult time.
Market management and the City of Melbourne are leading the way with an immediate three-month support package for the Market's 600+ traders in response to COVID-19. The package will be reviewed and adjusted as required.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the economic impacts from the virus will be significant and the City of Melbourne is doing everything it can to support small businesses and keep people in jobs.
"Queen Victoria Market is home to over 600 small businesses and a 2,000-strong workforce. The vast majority of these businesses are small family operations with just a few employees so it's vital that we support the Market during these difficult times," the Lord Mayor said.
"We must take every health precaution necessary but we want our city and its historic Market to continue to trade and serve the community.
"Queen Victoria Market is open for business now and this package of rent relief and support will help Market traders stay open."
Queen Victoria Market CEO Stan Liacos said the Board and management of Queen Victoria Market, together with the City of Melbourne are taking urgent action to support Market traders during this challenging time.
"We will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with the City of Melbourne and relevant authorities to evaluate the impacts and consider additional support required for traders.
"This support package will provide immediate relief for traders to help their businesses get through the next few months."
Three-month Trader Support Package includes:
- 50% rent relief for non-food related traders (specialty shopping)
- 25% rent relief for produce and food-related traders (Meat and Fish Hall, Dairy Hall, fruit, vegetables, organics and hospitality)
- Option for traders in C-M Sheds (specialty shopping) to temporarily close
- Free business-related support from the Small Business Mentoring Service that continues to be available to traders
- Continued focus on marketing and promotion to let customers know the Market is open for business
- Work with government to help support the 600+ independent small businesses operating at Victoria's number one tourist attraction.
In recent weeks, Market management has also introduced additional health and safety measures for customers, traders and employees at the Market. This includes additional cleaning, signage regarding hand washing and personal hygiene, and the provision of hand sanitiser in many locations.
Queen Victoria Market is open from 6am to 3pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and from 9am to 4pm every Sunday. Speciality shopping opens at 9am.
