This is a blog series where we share the community submissions sent to the Minister for Planning regarding the draft Preston Market Precinct Development Plan. We’re sharing these to give our communities voices a platform, and inspire others with stories about the market.
Submission 003:
My name is Joy McPhail and i grew up in Reservoir and spent many Saturdays shopping with my parents at the Preston Market for our weekly fruit, vegetables & deli items, and I retain many happy memories of time spent enjoying the food, people & atmosphere of this Market. Though I have moved out of the area, an opportunity to enjoy this market is one that enjoy when i am able. The thought of being, once again, in the position of losing this wonderful public space & amenity through more over-development with what appears to be little thought for what the public wishes, causes me to register my opposition to the proposed Preston Market Development Plan.
This plan, including the demolition of significant parts of the market and the intense development does not respect the market as the social and cultural Heart of the Northern Suburbs. It will damage the social and cultural fabric of this community as well as the extended communities that visit from outside this immediate area. It has been made loud and clear on previous attempts at development that this type of development is NOT what the public want and now, ONCE AGAIN, another attempt to destroy the Preston Market is happening - WHEN WILL WHAT THE PUBLIC WANTS BE LISTENED TOO???
Furthermore, the consultation process is inadequate and suspiciously short in timeframe, it should be extended to allow for a proper dialogue between all parties. We ought to have further feedback on any developments of the plan in the future. Ultimately, Public Acquisition is the best way to ensure that our market is preserved for generations to come.
Kind regards, Joy McPhail
