Melbourne’s multicultural hub of the north Preston Market is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month.
Although event plans have been postponed due to COVID-19, the Preston Market continues to celebrate its unique culture, diversity, history and, most importantly, its wonderful community.
Since opening in August 1970, Preston Market has grown to become a renowned cultural and culinary cornucopia. Its offerings have changed as the neighbourhood has changed over the 50 years and continue to evolve, but its essence and its place at the heart of the community remains strong.
Few places have the power to transport visitors back to the joys of childhood with such immediacy; holding a grandparent’s hand while weaving through the busy Saturday crowds, procuring bargains from passionate spruikers, the aroma of spices and international cuisines, tasting deli cheeses from a tooth pick, hot jam donuts, saying g’day to your local butcher, or asking your fishmonger for the catch of the day.
Then there are the traders, staff, producers, and customers; the beating heart of the Preston Market.
READ MORE: Preston Market gets ready to honour area’s Greek population
Today stalls at the market are owned and staffed by people from all parts of the world selling foods that resonate with their own cultures. Many stallholders have been here for a generation or even three or four generations.
Throughout August Preston Market will be celebrating 50 years with their online community by sharing history, traders’ stories, old photos, recipe collections and giveaways.
Members of the public are currently being invited to submit anecdotes, photos, memories, recipes and experiences of the Market and traders for future events and activities planned. Submissions are welcomed at the Market office: www.prestonmarket.com.au/contact/send-us-an-enquiry
READ MORE: Greek homes to be demolished to make way for works in Preston
Preston market today
Brief history snapshot
1969 Preston Leon Jolson, developer and original owner decided to build a traditional European market in Preston. Quote Leon Jolson “I want this Market to be a place of noise and activity and when the housewife arrives back home, I want her to feel exhilarated’. Preston Market commences construction.
1970 Preston Market opens in August with 250 stalls including 46 greengrocers, 19 butchers, 15 delicatessens, 8 refreshments and food stalls and 130 miscellaneous stalls. Parking for 1000 cars. Hours 8am – 6pm Thursday & Friday. 8am – 1pm Saturdays.
1980s canopies added to walkways
2015 The Preston Artists Market, known as PAM, was opened in the Centreway within the market in October.
2016 A Preston Market website was launched, the Preston Fresh Food Market was opened in Cramer Street Bingo Hall, refurbishment began within the market complex itself, and the first issue of the Preston Market Newsletter was printed.
2017 The market became the second largest market in Melbourne with approximately 80,000 visitors a week, 830 car park spaces, 146 retail tenancies, 10 kiosks and 3 banking ATMs and was open nearly all day from Wednesday to Saturday.
2017 Murals painted on the outside of the market. Sunday trade commenced.
2020 Preston Market celebrates 50 years and home to over 130 stalls.
