The Market is loved for its character, traders and atmosphere, and Project Connect is designed to protect those strengths while addressing issues that need to be resolved.

Some of the Market's infrastructure is approaching the end of its useful life, and several significant accessibility, compliance and safety upgrades are required. Rather than delivering these works in isolation, Project Connect combines essential infrastructure renewal with improvements that will enhance the experience for traders, customers and the wider community. The aim is to keep the Market authentic and welcoming while ensuring it can continue to serve the community for generations to come.

Works are scheduled to commence from mid-2028, with the full Project Connect program expected to be delivered in stages through to 2031. The timing of individual works will be confirmed as designs, approvals and staging plans are developed.

The Market is expected to continue trading while Project Connect works are delivered.

Works will be staged to minimise disruption wherever possible, with planning focused on maintaining customer access, supporting trader operations and keeping the community informed as the project progresses. However, some traders or areas of the Market may need to close temporarily while critical works take place in these areas.

As with any major renewal project in a busy public place, temporary changes to access, loading, parking or movement around the Market will be required. These changes will be communicated clearly and as early as possible before works begin, with signage, wayfinding and communications in place to help customers navigate the precinct.

We know parking is important for many customers, particularly those doing a fresh food shop or travelling from outside the local area. Maintaining convenient access to the Market remains a priority as the project is planned, staged and delivered.

The Market’s rooftop carpark will see some improvements, including new stair and lift access via York Street, and improved pedestrian flow at the entry/exit ramp on Coventry Street. We will be minimising impact on rooftop car parking during the works, and the carpark is expected to remain open on Market days.

Street level parking around the Market will still be available, however some parking spaces will change from angular parking to parallel parking on both York and Coventry Streets, which will result in the loss of several spaces.

During the works, some street parking may be impacted. We will provide clear updates about any changes to parking access, timing and alternative options ahead of works commencing and during the works.

Council approved capital investment of $30 million in its 10-year budget to deliver major compliance works and broader customer and trader experience improvements through Project Connect.

This includes additional external public space for seating and pedestrian movement and additional back-of-house improvements beyond what is deemed compliance requirements to continue to support our traders in what are aged and very constrained spaces.

This investment will help futureproof the Market as a safe, accessible, and inclusive community destination.

Our Traders are our priority, and the Market continue to work closely with affected traders throughout the project. The Market will continue to engage with traders through workshops, briefings and project updates as designs, approvals and staging plans are developed. Trader feedback will continue to inform operational planning, staging and measures to support business continuity wherever possible.

At this stage, no decisions have been made about individual traders leaving the Market as part of Project Connect.

South Melbourne Market’s traders are central to the Market’s brand and customer experience. Supporting a diverse and locally relevant trader mix remains a key priority as plans are developed.

The Market will continue to work closely with traders to understand potential impacts, discuss operational requirements and identify ways to minimise disruption.

Some traders may require temporary or permanent relocation due to these works. Where new opportunities are created, including within the new York Street retail precinct, tenancies will be considered through the Market’s formal Expression of Interest process and in line with the Market’s Retail Strategy and Mix Framework.

If any changes affect traders, the Market will communicate these clearly and as early as possible.

The Market recognises that construction can affect day-to-day operations. Planning will focus on maintaining trading activity, protecting customer access and providing clear information about upcoming works. The Market will continue working closely with traders to understand operational needs and identify opportunities to minimise disruption wherever possible.