QVM traders suffer a temporary hit due to tram upgrades

Major tram works have commenced along Victoria and Elizabeth streets, with tram tracks being replaced and platforms expanded outside the Queen Victoria Market (QVM).

While traders have welcomed the upgrades, many anticipate a downturn in business during the construction period.

The works, running from October 6 to 26, will see Victoria St closed from Bouverie St to Peel St, and Elizabeth St closed from Therry St to Queensberry St.

Several tram services will be affected, with Route 19 trams operating between North Coburg and Stop 9 Haymarket, and Route 57 trams running between West Maribyrnong and Stop 9 Howard St, instead of continuing into the city.

Once completed, a new level-access tram stop will be built on Victoria St to improve accessibility and make it easier for passengers to reach the Queen Victoria Market.

However, despite the long-term benefits, traders say they are preparing for a tough few weeks while construction is under way.

Rosa Ansaldo, who has run a fruit and vegetable stall at the market for more than 35 years, said the works had come at the expense of traders.

“There’s nobody here,” she said. “And I don’t look forward to the rest of the week – we’re not going to make ends meet.”

Ms Ansaldo suggested that loyal customers should be rewarded with free parking or other incentives to encourage them to visit during the disruption.

“People need to be rewarded because they’re going through so much stress to get here,” she said. “Accessibility has become impossible.”

Fellow fruit and vegetable trader Frank Fontana remains optimistic about the upgrades and is looking forward to a busy summer once the works are complete.

There’s no market without the traders, but there’s no traders without the customers,” he told North West City News. “We understand if they’ve got to stay away for these three weeks, but we have to see them back coming into summer.

“We’ve got mangoes, cherries, peaches, nectarines – everything coming in,” he said. “So, we’re going to suffer these three weeks, but we hope to see them, plus new customers, as we head into summer.”

Throughout the works, there will also be changes to parking between Peel and Elizabeth streets to allow for the new tram stop and maintain traffic flow.

In the coming months, further traffic improvements will be introduced, including new hook turns at Howard, Chetwynd and Leveson streets along Victoria St.

Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said the upgrades would deliver long-term benefits for the city.

“This crucial work will not only keep our trams – and the thousands of Victorians who rely on them – moving but also deliver important safety and accessibility upgrades for passengers, bike riders and pedestrians,” she said.

“The Queen Victoria Market is a Melbourne icon, and these upgrades will make it easier than ever to jump on a tram to enjoy all it has to offer. Thank you in advance to passengers, businesses and the local community for their patience while we deliver these vital long-term improvements.” •