News

• 2013-05-09 - Melbourne Market relocation – the facts
  Minister for Major Projects David Hodgett has clarified the facts relating to the Melbourne Markets project, following an article in The Weekly Times today which contained a number of factual inaccuracies.
  
  Mr Hodgett said it was disappointing that there was so much misinformation about the Melbourne Market relocation being spread for political or commercial gain.
  
  “The fact is that the former Labor Government initiated this project and when we came to Government, construction was well underway,” Mr Hodgett said.
  
  “Through Labor’s poor planning there were a number of design flaws, including a smaller floor space for standholders than what is available at the current Footscray Road site.”
  
  The design by Labor of the new market at Epping has a trading floor area of 7,456 square metres, compared to the 13,994 square metres at the existing site.
  
  “Thanks to the poor design by Labor, it is inevitable that the current number of stands and their current size will simply not fit at Epping,” Mr Hodgett said.
  
  “We are working closely with the standholders to address all issues relating to the move. Since February 2012 we have put out 53 discussion papers and Ministerial statements concerning the relocation to Epping (all of which are available at www.melbournemarkets.com.au).
  
  “We have maintained constant dialogue with these stakeholders as we work to ensure the best possible result.
  
  “Every time we have sought expressions of interest or held ballots for warehousing, stores and stands, we have been overwhelmed with interest and participation. If the standholders thought the market was such a bad proposition, they wouldn’t all be clambering to be involved and the number of stands and their size wouldn’t be an issue.
  
  “The article that appeared in the Weekly Times contained much misinformation. At this stage, no decisions have been made on individual stand sizes, or who will get the stands.
  
  This is because we are continuing to work with the standholders to assess their needs, as well as deal with issues.
  
   “The Weekly Times also pointed out that Labor’s designed floor space is too narrow to turn a forklift. We have engaged an independent traffic management reviewer to address this issue and ensure that the proposed layout provides for safe and efficient operation and considers both forklifts and pedestrians. The information gathered will be factored into the final layout and considered before the stand ballot process,” Mr Hodgett said.
  
  Mr Hodgett also explained that reports that 100,000 square metres of warehousing space was struggling to be filled was simply wrong.
  
  “Warehouse spacing hasn’t even been allocated yet, as we are still in the process of assessing how much will be required,” Mr Hodgett said.
  
  “The amount of warehousing constructed will be determined by the needs of the businesses going into the market.
  
  “The Melbourne Markets is a project that presents a range of challenges, and we are working closely with the users of the current Footscray Road site to deal with these challenges.
  
  “Once it is open, the Melbourne Market site at Epping will be a fantastic, state of the art market, which will provide a huge range of benefits to both businesses and market goers,” Mr Hodgett said.
  
  Anyone with questions is encouraged to meet with the Melbourne Markets Relocation Team which is on site to work with the standholders on the transition.
  
  
• 2013-02-20 - Major warehousing development at Epping Market

  A massive project to deliver in excess of 100,000 square metres of warehousing in the new Melbourne Wholesale Market development at Epping was announced by Minister for Major Projects Denis Napthine today.

  The Victorian Coalition Government has launched the expressions of interest process for the construction of the proximity warehousing, a crucial element of the new market.

  Dr Napthine said the provision of warehousing adjacent to the trading floor complex would contribute to the new market being the very best facility of its type in Australia.

  “Upon coming to Government, we learnt the previous Labor Government had no plan to build warehousing at the market. This would have made the market virtually unworkable,” Dr Napthine said.

  “Following comprehensive business planning and consultation with both market stakeholders and the construction sector, we are now seeking expressions of interest from the private sector to build more than 100,000 square metres of warehousing.

  “This significant investment of an expected many tens of millions of dollars in Melbourne’s northern region will generate jobs and drive economic growth,” Dr Napthine said.

  “Warehousing is critical to market tenants for storage of goods before they are taken to the trading floor, as well as catering for processes which value-add to products received from growers.

  “At the current Footscray Road site, only a small portion of tenants are able to have warehousing on-site due to major space constraints. Current total warehousing space is 33,000 square metres.

  “By having warehousing inside the market just a forklift drive away from the trading floor stores and stands, rather than kilometres away in an external warehouse, means significant transport costs and other efficiencies are gained by tenants,” Dr Napthine said.

  “Responding to a survey on warehousing demand late last year, current tenants indicated an interest in as much as 125,000 square metres of warehousing at the new market.

  “The Coalition Government has listened to the market community and developed a response that should deliver the best price warehousing to the market community as well as value for money contributed by taxpayers.

  “The Coalition Government’s chosen procurement method provides public, private and tenant led development options to give maximum flexibility to meet the diverse needs of small, medium and large tenants,” Dr Napthine said.

  The procurement model involves three categories:
  • The State will procure 30,000 square metres of warehousing to be made available to tenants requiring smaller sized areas of warehousing – up to 1,200 square metres per tenant;
  • Tenants seeking more than 1,200 square metres and up to 5,000 square metres will have an opportunity to gain warehousing through the selected private sector
  builder/developer; and
  • Tenants requiring more than 5,000 square metres will be able to submit proposals to directly manage the delivery of their own warehousing or have this delivered by the selected private sector builder/developer.

  Construction of market warehousing is expected to get underway in the third quarter of 2013 with the market scheduled to open in 2014/2015.

  The procurement process for warehousing will take place over two distinct stages:
  • an initial Expression of Interest (EOI) stage (Stage 1) with documents released today; and
  • a Request for Proposal stage (Stage 2), for those parties short listed from the EOI stage.

  The EOI stage will give interested parties the chance to demonstrate their capacity to deliver the warehousing project.

  This will include an outline of previous experience and expertise in leading and constructing large scale, high-quality warehousing and industrial property of a similar size and delivering on time.

  The EOI process closes at 2.00 pm (AEST), on Friday 22 March 2013.

• 2012-12-17 - Market tenants saved from Labor’s doubling and tripling of rents

  A further step has been taken in the Melbourne Wholesale Market Relocation project with the release of proposed rents, fees and charges to the market community.
  
  Minister for Major Projects Denis Napthine said these details provided further certainty to market tenants in making business decisions as they move from West Melbourne to the new Epping facility (scheduled to open in 2014/2015).
  
  “The market project suffered under the previous Labor Government’s mismanagement resulting in massive project delays, a huge blowout in costs for Victorian taxpayers and uncertainty and confusion amongst market tenants,” Dr Napthine said.
  
  “Upon coming to office the Victorian Coalition Government undertook a comprehensive review of the Market Relocation Project.
  
  “The former Labor Government’s proposed level of debt (to be paid back by tenants) was $216 million, but following a review by the current Coalition Government the figure was reduced to a maximum of $120 million to help make the market affordable and viable for tenants,” Dr Napthine said.
  
  “Without the additional Coalition Government funding, rents would have increased to well over double and even triple the current levels.
  
  “The rents provided today are a refinement on the rent options released to the market community in June 2012. These are the maximum rent figures that may apply with any savings gained in the project budget to be applied to possible reductions from these rent levels,” Dr Napthine said.

  Principle Rents ($ per square metre) 
  

  Classes	Current average rent, 2012	Epping rent in 2012 dollars*
  Stores	273	450
  Fruit and Vegetable stands	385	500
  Flower stands	472	500
  Flower coolrooms	231	245

                                                              
  *These charges are adjusted on an annual basis in line with CPI or a 4 per cent increase whichever is the higher.
  
  The rents represent a 64.8 per cent increase per square metre on current rents for stores, a 29.9 per cent increase for fruit and vegetable stands and a 5.9 per cent increase for flower market stands. All storeholders will receive free office space within the trading floor building.
  
  “The facilities provided at the Epping market are world class. They provide market businesses with opportunities for expansion, greater productivity and vastly increased occupational health and safety standards. This is compared to the constrained conditions at the 40-year-old Footscray Road site which does not offer tenants any opportunities for growth,” Dr Napthine said.
  
  Under this rent structure, standholders, whether selling fruit, vegetables or flowers will now pay the same per square metre for their stand area.
  

  Currently, flower market standholders pay significantly more for stands per square metre than do standholders in the fruit and vegetable market – a historical legacy associated with the move to the National Flower Centre 17 years ago.
  
  The Coalition Government through the Melbourne Market Authority has adopted a fair and reasonable approach to rent setting, seeking to recover the debt component, meet interest payments and market operating costs.
  
  The Coalition Government’s release of information today follows a series of consultation papers and briefings provided to the market community over the past year. Through the refreshed market advisory committees, key information on allocation, proximity warehousing, rentals and other proposed new market operations has been distributed to market stakeholders.
  
  All Ministerial statements and discussion papers relating to the Melbourne Market Relocation Project can be found on the Melbourne Market Authority website.
  

• 2012-12-07 - Historic occasion for Melbourne’s new wholesale market
  An important and historic step in the relocation of the Melbourne Wholesale Market took place today with the selection of store locations in the new Epping market by wholesalers.
  
  Minister for Major Projects Denis Napthine said the opening of the new market, scheduled for 2014/2015, was now clearly on the horizon for market tenants.
  
  The ballot process for wholesale storeholders is the first of three such events with similar processes to take place, with those for fruit and vegetable standholders and flower market standholders to come in early 2013.
  
  “For market tenants, the relocation has been a long haul since the previous Labor Government’s decision to move the market in 2004,” Dr Napthine said.
  
  “The project was subject to monumental Labor incompetence resulting in massive delays and a huge blowout in costs.
  
  “The Victorian Coalition Government, in coming to power, undertook a significant Treasury review of the project in 2011, injected required additional funding and revitalised consultation processes with the market community.
  
  “There is still some way to go to finalise arrangements with market tenants, but I am confident this project is back on track,” Dr Napthine said.
  
  Today 110 wholesalers took part in a series of ballots at the current Footscray Road market to determine which store location they will have in the new Epping market.
  
  Storeholders selected their new store locations from 74 large stores, 30 medium stores and 40 small stores, through a fair and transparent ballot process conducted by an independent expert and overseen by a probity adviser.
  
  Dr Napthine said many of the businesses present at today’s ballot had a long and inter-generational history at the market and were involved in the 1968 ballot when the market moved from the Queen Victoria Market site to the current facility at Footscray.
  
  “The new facilities at Epping will improve the operations and efficiency of Melbourne’s wholesale fruit, vegetable and flower market and give significant opportunities to wholesalers to expand and enhance their businesses,” Dr Napthine said.
  
  “The relocation project will provide substantial economic benefits to both market stakeholders and the broader community, particularly in the City of Whittlesea.
  
  “Since the decision to relocate to Epping was announced in July 2011, important information to enable market members to make decisions on their future has been released through the newly formed Market Advisory Committees.
  
  “This has included discussion papers and consultation on store allocations, rent structures and proximity warehousing,” Dr Napthine said.
  
  Chairman of the Melbourne Market Authority Neil Lowe said the process of consultation with market stakeholders, including wholesalers, growers and retailers, was ongoing.
  
  “There has been a very active consultation program run by the Melbourne Market Authority in co-operation with the Department of Business and Innovation on relocation issues and this will continue until the new market opens and beyond,” Mr Lowe said.
  
  Construction work continues apace at the Epping site. Status of works includes:95 per cent of the main trading floor and stands building is complete.

  • 60 per cent of external civil works complete, with asphalt works (40 hectares) due to recommence in New Year.
  • Flower Market steel structure and roof has been completed with internal works now underway.
  • Undercover loading area structure to the northern end of the building complete.
  • Intersection works at Gateway Boulevard/Cooper Street are well advanced and ongoing.

  
  
• 2012-04-05 - Whittlesea sports clubs lap up water re-use system
  

  A City of Whittlesea sports reserve will be among the best in the region thanks to a rainwater harvesting and recycling system being built as part of the Melbourne Wholesale Markets Relocation project in Epping.
  
  The home ground of the Sporting Whittlesea Panthers soccer club, the RGC Cook Reserve, will soon be connected to the innovative new system, meaning the club will no longer have to rely on mains water for irrigation.

  Other reserves to benefit will include:

  • Whittlesea Public Gardens, Lalor
  • HR Uren Reserve, Thomastown
  • Future Mosaic football ovals, Lalor

  The $9.4 million rainwater harvesting and recycling system will receive $4.7 million in Australian Government funding through the Water for the Future initiative, with the remaining funding provided by the Victorian Coalition Government and the City of Whittlesea.
  
  Minister for Major Projects Denis Napthine said when the rainwater harvesting system was fully operational it would reduce the reliance on Victoria's drinking water by 68 million litres each year.
  
  "That is the equivalent of recycling 26 Olympic-size swimming pools of water every year," Dr Napthine said.
  
  "The full harvesting system has two parts. Firstly, water from the market's 40 hectares of pavement areas will be drained into man-made wetlands in the south east of the market site, cleaned naturally and then pumped to the four local sports reserves.
  
  "In addition, water collected from the 110,000 square metre roof of the main market building will also be cleaned and pumped back into the market facility for non-potable uses including toilet flushing, cleaning and irrigation," Dr Napthine said.
  
  Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water Senator Don Farrell said the Melbourne Wholesale Markets Stormwater Harvesting and Reuse Project was an example of the Australian Government partnering state and local governments to ensure access to drinking water supplies could remain secure in times of drought and water restrictions.
  
  "This project will reduce demand for potable water supplies and allow local communities to make better use of their sports grounds, local parks and gardens throughout the year, while also providing for on-site uses at the markets," Senator Farrell said.
  
  "Securing a sustainable, safe water supply for all Australians is a key priority for the Australian Government, which is being achieved through the Water for the Future initiative."
  
  Representing the club at today's event with several junior Panthers, Vice President Adam Cuschieri said the new irrigation infrastructure was a huge coup for the club and for the community generally.
  
  "Having access to recycled water to irrigate the ground during all seasons will ensure the quality of the ground's playing surface is maintained right throughout the year," Mr Cuschieri said.
  
  "With the RGC Cook Reserve being at the heart of our club, it's great to see steps being taken to ensure it remains one of the best for soccer in the district."
  
  City of Whittlesea Councillor Rex Griffin said the market's rainwater harvesting and recycling system was important to both council and its community.
  
  "This is a great example of making the most of our natural resources and the City of Whittlesea is proud to be involved in such an important initiative," Cr Griffin said.
  
  "Local community and sporting groups like the Sporting Whittlesea Panthers FC are the real winners here."
  
  The tender for the first stage of the irrigation works is expected to be awarded by the end of June. All works to connect the four reserves to the system are anticipated to be completed in 2013.
  
  The construction of the new Epping market facility continues, with steel work on the main trading floor building nearing completion. Works are also just about to begin for the massive asphalting job around the market buildings.
  
  The new facility, along with its rainwater harvesting and recycling system, is expected to be completed in 2014/2015.

  Watch the animation of how the system works.
  

• 2011-07-20 - Coalition Government fixes Labor’s leftover mess to deliver a vibrant modern wholesale market for Victoria

  The Victorian Coalition Government will deliver a modern and vibrant wholesale market at Epping to meet the long term needs of the market community with more affordable rents for market tenants and the required warehousing.

  Minister for Major Projects Denis Napthine today visited the new site at Epping where he said the Coalition Government was forced to resolve massive cost blowouts and project management failures left by Labor to get the Epping market project back on track.
  
  "The Coalition Government has undertaken an exhaustive review and thoroughly considered all options to provide the best outcome for taxpayers and achieve a modern market that meets the long term needs of the community," Dr Napthine said.
  
  As a consequence of Labor's disastrous mismanagement of this project, additional project funding would be required to continue the market at the Footscray site or to relocate to Epping.
  
  The review of the project completed by the Department of Treasury and Finance found that continuing at Footscray Road would cost taxpayers at least $100 million more than the Epping option, and market tenants would face higher long term tenancy costs as well as significant disruption to business while site upgrades were completed.
  
  "From 2004, when a decision was made to move the market, Labor completely mismanaged and under-funded the Melbourne Wholesale Market redevelopment creating a $370 million cost blowout for taxpayers, years of delays in project delivery, no warehousing, and unaffordable rents for tenants," Dr Napthine said.
  
  In 2005-06, project funding was set at $300 million, well short of a revised figure in 2009 of $531 million and less than half of the $670 million the Coalition Government was advised late last year the project would cost.
  
  Critically, the project was not just underfunded by Labor but the funding model was completely unsustainable.
  
  Under Labor's plan, market tenants would have been forced to pay rent increases well in excess of 200 per cent which would have put many market users out of business.
  
  "Protecting market tenants from the exorbitant rent increases they would have faced under Labor is imperative to the future of Melbourne Wholesale Markets and preventing rising food costs," Dr Napthine said.
  
  When Labor announced the Melbourne Wholesale Market Redevelopment they committed to opening the new market in 2010 however Labor's failure to properly plan, cost and manage this project meant that, in addition to a $370 million cost blowout, the new Epping site can not be completed until 2014/15 at the earliest.
  
  Labor's flawed plan also failed to provide proximity warehousing, a crucial part of a modern wholesale market.
  
  "The project funding determined by the Coalition Government will make sure the construction of warehousing goes ahead and is ready for the opening of the new market," Dr Napthine said.
  
  Dr Napthine said the Government would now be entering commercial discussions with market tenants to finalise project finances and make sure market users are properly catered for in the relocation.
  
  "Unlike Labor, who continually failed to properly consult market users, the Coalition Government will be working hand-in-glove with market users to make sure their relocation issues are resolved in a cooperative manner," Dr Napthine said.
  
  Dr Napthine said that without the Melbourne Wholesale Market, independent retailers would decline and Victorian consumers would have less choice about where they buy fresh fruit and vegetables.
  
  "The Coalition Government's decision is in the best interests of the market tenants and minimises cost exposure to Victorian taxpayers, it will also create thousands of jobs in Melbourne's north," Dr Napthine said.
  
  "The Coalition Government is implementing a clear plan to end the mess that Labor left behind and deliver a modern and vibrant wholesale market at Epping that meets the long term needs of the market community and Victorians."

• 2010-10-26 - Melbourne Markets Project Enters New Phase
  The $300 million Melbourne Wholesale Market project today reached a new milestone with the start of construction on the main market building in Epping, Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas announced today.
  
  Mr Pallas was joined by Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green onsite to inspect the works today.
  
  “The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to invest in vital infrastructure, creating thousands of jobs and boosting the local economy as we continue to build for Victoria’s future,” Mr Pallas said.
  
  “The pouring of the first concrete footings today on the northern section of the project will allow for the installation of the first steel frames later this year.
  
  “Meanwhile, the excavation and levelling of the central and southern sections continues with about 2500 tonnes of rock being removed, crushed and reused as fill every day.
  
  “It’s only when you get onsite that you can see the scale of this project. The completed building will cover 12 hectares – six times the size of the MCG – on a total site of 62 hectares.“
  
  Mr Pallas said building a modern and efficient market would inject an estimated $870 million into the Victorian economy and create around 600 jobs during construction alone.
  
  “When complete in 2012, up to 4000 businesses will use the markets, supplying thousands of restaurants, supermarkets and local grocers throughout the state,” he said.
  
  “This project will help put fresh food on Victorian tables more efficiently then ever before and will be crucial to sustaining Victoria’s $11.8 billion agricultural sector.”
  
  Ms Green said the new markets would put Epping at the centre of Victoria’s fresh food chain and revitalise Melbourne’s north, bringing thousands of new people to the Epping area everyday.
  
  “The site at Epping offers fantastic opportunities for market tenants with modern, safe facilities and excellent access to the road network for faster distribution,” Ms Green said.
  
  “This is a huge growth opportunity for the area and I know there is great interest from local businesses in the project and the benefits it will bring.”
  
  Bovis Lend Lease Victorian General Manager Geoff Moore said the project would provide great benefits for market traders.
  
  “The commencement of construction on the main building marks a significant milestone for the project, which is on target for scheduled completion in 2012,” Mr Moore said.
  
  
• 2010-03-18 - Major construction contracts signed for Epping market

  Construction of the new $300 million Melbourne Wholesale Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Market at Epping is moving into the next phase, with the signing of major works contracts following the completion of early works this week.

  Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas announced today major construction contracts had been signed with preferred bidder Bovis Lend Lease and said the new stage of work was an important milestone for the markets project

  “The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to invest in vital infrastructure, creating thousands of jobs and boosting the local economy as we continue to build for Victoria’s future,” Mr Pallas said.

  “Bovis Lend Lease commenced early works on site in late 2009 and have now been given the go ahead to commence full blown construction of this vital new facility.

  “This project at Epping will create 600 jobs and inject an estimated $870 million into the Victorian economy during construction.

  “The Melbourne Markets project will create an efficient, competitive and accessible market with a greatly improved occupational health and safety environment for market users.

  “It will provide a great boost for the market community where, on a busy day, up to 4000 wholesalers, growers and retailers use the current market supplying thousands of restaurants, supermarkets and local grocers throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria.”

  Member for Thomastown Peter Batchelor said the new market would not only be crucial to sustaining the state’s $11.8 billion agricultural sector, but would create significant growth opportunities for Melbourne’s north.

  “The new market will put Epping and our northern suburbs on the map as a major centre for food distribution in the state, Mr Batchelor said

  Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green said moving the markets north was a major economic boost for the local area.

  “We expect a positive economic impact with hundreds of workers on site during construction and then thousands coming into the area every day during operation,” Ms Green said.

  Bovis Lend Lease Victoria General Manager Geoff Moore said the new market was a significant infrastructure project for Victoria and the company was pleased to be working with the State Government in its delivery.

  “The project will provide a state-of-the-art new facility with improved operational efficiency, a safer work environment and a more sustainable home for Victoria’s fruit, vegetable and flower market community,” Mr Moore said.

  The new market facility, situated off the Hume Highway, is expected to be completed in 2012.

• 2009-12-16 - Works on new Melbourne markets underway

  Work is underway on the $300 million Melbourne Wholesale Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Market at Epping, with the new facility to inject an estimated $870 million into the Victorian economy during construction.

  Acting Premier Rob Hulls inspected works today with Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas and said the exciting project would deliver improved operational efficiency and a safer work environment for Victoria’s market community.

  “The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to invest in vital infrastructure, creating thousands of jobs and boosting the local economy as we continue to build for Victoria’s future,” Mr Hulls said.

  “We’re establishing a modern and efficient market in Epping for the next 50 years and beyond, so it’s great to see construction underway on this important project, creating 600 jobs in the process.”

  Mr Hulls said the new facility, to be built by Bovis Lend Lease, would be a great boost for the market community and all those who benefit from a bigger, better Melbourne Wholesale Market.

  “On a busy day up to 4000 wholesalers, growers and retailers use the current market supplying thousands of restaurants, supermarkets and local grocers throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria. This is the new link in Victoria’s fresh food chain,” he said.

  “When complete, this project will ensure the ongoing viability of the wholesale markets, which is crucial to sustaining Victoria’s $11.8 billion agricultural sector.”

  Mr Pallas said the new market would offer vastly superior facilities and logistical arrangements for wholesalers, growers and retailers.

  “This project will incorporate a range of sustainable energy and water efficient features, while creating an efficient, competitive and accessible market with a greatly improved occupational health and safety environment for market users,” Mr Pallas said.

  “The Government has been working closely with the market community on the design of the building, which has been refined from a T-shape to a more efficient anchor set-up following feedback from the users.

  “This consultation process has worked particularly well and we would like to thank the market community for this work.”

  Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green said the new market would create significant growth opportunities for Melbourne’s north.

  “The new Melbourne Wholesale Markets will revitalise Epping and make it a major centre for food distribution in the state,” Ms Green said.

  “We expect a positive economic impact on the area with hundreds of workers on site during construction and then thousands coming into the area every day during operation.”

  Chairman of the Market Overview Consultative Committee Neil Lowe said the start of works on site was a great result for the market community.

  “The Government has established a constructive dialogue with the market community and as a result, improvements have been made to the design. This is a very positive outcome,” Mr Lowe said.

   

• 2009-10-02 - Market preferred builder announced

  Bovis Lend Lease is the preferred builder for the design and construction of the new wholesale fruit, vegetable and flower market at Epping, Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas announced today.

  Mr Pallas said the bidding process had clearly demonstrated the confidence of the construction industry in Melbourne Markets relocation project.

  “The Brumby Labor Government is taking action now to invest in vital infrastructure that is creating thousands of jobs and providing a boost for the local economy as we continue to build for Victoria’s future,” Mr Pallas said.

  “This is yet another important milestone in the delivery of what will be an outstanding facility at the 133 hectare Epping site.

  “The new Melbourne Wholesale Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Market will ensure the ongoing viability of the wholesale markets, which is crucial to sustaining Victoria’s $11.8 billion agricultural sector.

  “This Government is committed to supporting the wholesale market as an essential link in the distribution channel for fresh produce and a vital part of the Victoria’s infrastructure with an annual turnover of more than $1.6 billion.”

  Mr Pallas said the new market would offer vastly superior facilities and logistical arrangements for wholesalers, growers and retailers.

  “On a busy day up to 4000 wholesalers, growers and retailers use the current market supplying thousands of restaurants, supermarkets and local grocers throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria,” he said.

  “This new market project will be a great boost for the market community and all those who benefit from a bigger, better Melbourne Wholesale Market.”

  During construction it is estimated that around 600 jobs will be generated and $870 million injected into the Victorian economy.

  The new relocated market, situated just off the Hume Highway, will deliver:

  • An efficient, competitive and accessible market;
  • A vastly improved occupational health and safety environment for market users; and
  • Significant growth opportunities for Melbourne’s north through the expansion of warehousing and related transport services.

  Following contractual close, the builder is expected to start works by the end of 2009.

• 2009-08-14 - Two bidders remain for new markets construction project

  Bids for the construction of the new wholesale markets at Epping have closed with two companies in the running, Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas announced today.
  

  Mr Pallas said Baulderstone and Bovis Lend Lease had submitted detailed proposals to design and deliver the construction project at the 133 hectare Epping site, which will be the new home of the Melbourne Wholesale Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Market.

  “The Brumby Labor Government is taking action now to invest in vital infrastructure that is creating thousands of jobs and providing a boost for the local economy as we continue to build for Victoria’s future,” Mr Pallas said.

  “This is an important milestone in the establishment of the new market and clearly demonstrates the confidence of the construction industry in our capacity to deliver major projects in Victoria.

  “This project provides the base for a strong and viable central wholesale market. The Melbourne Markets relocation will deliver benefits across the state through vastly improved facilities and logistical arrangements for wholesalers, growers and retailers.

  “During the construction phase, it is estimated that 600 jobs will be generated and around $870 million will flow into the Victorian economy.”

  Mr Pallas said the markets were an essential link in the distribution channel for fresh produce and a vital part of the Victoria’s infrastructure with an annual turnover of more than $1.6 billion.

  “The relocation project will ensure the ongoing viability and relevance of the markets as an essential link in the distribution channel for fresh produce in Australia by developing a new, efficient and integrated trading environment,” he said.

  The new relocated market, situated just off the Hume Highway, will deliver:
  • An efficient, competitive and accessible market;
  • A vastly improved occupational health and safety environment for market users; and
  • Significant growth opportunities for Melbourne’s north through the expansion of warehousing and related transport services.

  The preferred bidder for the design and construction of the new market will be announced later this year with works to commence by the end of 2009.
  

• 2009-04-29 - Melbourne markets project moves forward

  Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas has announced a shortlist of companies to take on the $300 million project to relocate the Wholesale Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Market from its current Footscray Road home to Epping.

  Mr Pallas said three companies – Baulderstone, Bovis Lend Lease and Thiess – had been asked to submit detailed proposals to design and deliver the construction project.

  “The Brumby Government is committed to creating jobs and ensuring the best outcome for a strong and viable central wholesale market operation at Epping,” Mr Pallas said.

  “The relocation will deliver benefits across the state through vastly improved facilities and logistical arrangements for both growers and retailers as well as up to 600 new Victorian jobs as part of the construction project.

  “There was a good response to the call for expressions of interest demonstrating the confidence of the construction industry in the strength of the fundamentals of the Victorian economy and the government’s decision to get on with the job.”

  Mr Pallas said the wholesale markets are a vital part of the state’s infrastructure with an annual turnover of more than $1.6 billion.

  “The relocation project will ensure the ongoing viability and relevance of the markets as an essential link in the distribution channel for fresh produce in Australia by developing a new, efficient and integrated trading environment,” he said.

  The new relocated market, which will be situated on a 133 hectare site just off the Hume Highway, will provide:

  • Excellent road access to Melbourne and regional Victoria
  • Vastly improved occupational health and safety for market users
  • Greater efficiencies through the co-location of the trading area and ancillary facilities on one site.

  Construction is expected to be later this year.
  

• 2008-12-11 - Industry confidence in market relocation project

  The construction industry has indicated its confidence in the Brumby Government’s $300 million Melbourne Markets relocation, with a number of companies registering their interest to take on the project.
  Acting Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas said 11 companies had registered their interest in the project to relocate the Melbourne Wholesale Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Market from its current Footscray Road home to a new 133 hectare site in Epping.

  “The Brumby Government is taking action to invest in vital infrastructure for Victoria that is creating jobs and new business opportunities and helping to meet the current global economic challenges,” Mr Pallas said.

  “This is a great response from developers and demonstrates the confidence of the construction industry in the strength of the fundamentals of the Victorian economy and the Brumby Government’s decision to get on with the job.

  “Our commitment to the Melbourne Markets relocation will deliver benefits across the state through vastly improved facilities and logistical arrangements for both growers and retailers as well as up to 600 new Victorian jobs as part of the construction project.”

  Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said the construction industry’s interest was welcome and it further demonstrated confidence in the Brumby Government’s commitment to address the needs of Victoria’s fresh fruit, vegetable and flower growers and retailers.

  Mr Pallas said thorough planning and concept design work had been completed and the registrations of interest were an important first step in a three stage procurement process.

  Detailed submissions will be required during the next two procurement stages.

  The new relocated markets situated just off the Hume Highway, will provide:

  • Excellent road access to Melbourne and regional Victoria;
  • Vastly improved occupational health and safety for market users; and
  • Greater efficiencies through the co-location of the trading area and ancillary facilities on one site.

  Calls for expressions of interest will open on 16 December 2008. Construction is expected to begin in mid to late 2009.

• 2008-12-02 - Call for registration of interest on markets project

  Acting Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas today called for registrations of interest from the construction industry for the $300 million Melbourne Wholesale Market relocation project. 

  Mr Pallas said thorough planning and concept design work was completed and he encouraged developers to register their interest in the exciting project in Epping.

  “The Brumby Government is taking action to invest in vital infrastructure for Victoria that is creating jobs and new business opportunities and helping to meet the current global economic challenges,” Mr Pallas said.

  “We are committed to the Melbourne Markets relocation that will deliver benefits across the state through vastly improved facilities and logistical arrangements for both growers and retailers.

  “This construction project will create up to 600 new Victorian jobs. The industry can take confidence in this project, the planning work and concept design is complete to meet the needs of our fresh fruit and vegetable growers and retailers following thorough consultation.”

  The project will relocate the Melbourne Wholesale Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Market from its current Footscray Road home to a new 133 hectare site in Epping, with the Brumby Government providing $300 million for the development.

  Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said today’s announcement was indicative of the Brumby Government’s strong support for the new Melbourne Markets, which is a major investment in the state’s primary industries.

  “The call for registrations of interest is a clear indication that the Brumby Government is taking action and getting on with the job,” Mr Helper said.

  “This further demonstrates our commitment to successfully relocating the Melbourne Markets to the Epping site as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

  The new relocated markets situated just off the Hume Highway, will provide:

  • Excellent road access to Melbourne and regional Victoria;
  • Vastly improved occupational health and safety for market users; and
  • Greater efficiencies through the co-location of the trading area and ancillary facilities on one site.

  Registrations of Interest close on 9 December 2008. Construction is expected to begin in mid to late 2009.