Dandenong Market - Market Square Precinct Feasibility

Markets • CommercialBusiness Case • Feasibility

9 June

Written By Sharyn May

Dandenong Market Square Precinct Feasibility

Client
Dandenong Market Pty Ltd

Location
Dandenong VIC

Architect
Tandem Studio

Traditional Custodians
Bunurong & Wurundjeri

Located at the centre of Australia's most culturally diverse municipality, Dandenong Market is the second oldest and second largest of only five municipal markets in Melbourne. It is the last genuine example of Melbourne's traditional working markets.

The market brings together traders representing over 150 nationalities, contributing to its reputation as one of Melbourne’s most authentic street food and fresh produce destinations. Food vendors are integral to the Market experience. Primarily clustered in the Market Square, the precinct is the activity hub and focal point of the Market. Challenged by limited and ageing infrastructure, a compelling business case set out the strategy and concepts to revitalise the Market Square food precinct, expanding and diversifying the food offering and delivering significant social and economic benefits for the community and region.

Older than Dandenong itself, the Market is part of the social fabric of the region – a trading, meeting, and gathering hub for almost 160 years. Home to almost 200 small businesses, including 20 food traders, the organic growth of the Food Market precinct and sustained high demand are impacting trading conditions, limiting the food offering and reducing opportunities for food traders in the market.

“Dandenong Market is a traditional working market at the heart of community life, with the most authentic street food in Melbourne.”

— City of Greater Dandenong

Unlocking the full potential of the Market Square precinct, the business case addresses ageing infrastructure, strengthens trader operations, and improves access and circulation. It builds on Dandenong’s cultural vibrancy to extend trading opportunities, increase employment, and support long-term food precinct sustainability. A flexible framework supports revitalisation of the food and beverage offer, while the strategic design-led approach delivers cultural, social and economic vibrancy and aligns infrastructure delivery with precinct operations and activation outcomes.

Anchoring Dandenong Market’s future as a vibrant multicultural trading hub, the Market Square precinct delivers permanent infrastructure to strengthen food trader viability, diversify market activation and enhance community connection. Our approach leverages extensive experience in strategy and planning for fresh food, produce and specialty markets, and expertise in feasibility and commercial strategy development to deliver long-term sustainable benefit for the Market and its traders. It highlights the strategic benefits of establishing an activated destination retail food precinct to support sustainable operations, deliver extended trading and employment opportunities, and expand and diversify market engagement.

A strategic business case for Dandenong Market Square models demand, benefits and upgrades. Maytrix delivers a framework to secure investment, boost employment and renew precinct infrastructure, protecting the market’s role as a community anchor. — Dandenong Market - Market Square
Image - Dandenong Market Pty Ltd

“Customer loyalty rules the market even at times of great discontent…the traditional marketplace was not only for trading but a forum for community debate and engagement.”

— Dandenong Market - Celebrating 150 years