to replace the open-air carpark at Queen Victoria Market with a new public square as part of a $287 million renewal program.In his 18 months at the helm, Mr Liacos has turned the Wednesday night market into a year-round event and transformed one of the market laneways - String Bean Alley - into a hipster hub, with artisans operating out of shipping containers.
The night market is one of Mr Liacos’ babies. He is making it a year-long event , introducing a European theme in autumn and Asian hawker vibe in spring.Queen Victoria Market night marketHe says this had maintained annual visitor numbers at nine million despite the day market losing customers to supermarkets, online deliveries and suburban markets over 20 years.But some believe the day market has become the poor cousin.
“Locals are not interested in night markets and people drinking too much,” she says. “We want locals coming to the market and buying fruit - that’s what the whole fabric of this market is.” Ms Zheng says she has lost customers who didn’t want the hassle of driving into the city, and was also competing with Asian delivery sites.
Ms Moore feels Mr Liacos is not interested in the old school tourist part of the market, where traders sell ugg boots, souvenirs and cheap leather goods.
If Queen Victoria Market wants to 'get with the times' its retailers should start accepting bitcoin as payment for products
I bet it would be hugely profitable this week. scottnoidea
Do they still sell a load of tacky knock off crap at queen vic?
I recommend people go to south Melbourne market instead