Dandenong Market has formed part of the rich heritage of Dandenong since 1866. On Market days the open sided sheds, take on new life with hundreds of shoppers bustling through the great variety of fresh produce and assorted wares. Today in a world when seemingly sterile, air conditioned shopping centres have become the norm, the Dandenong Market provides a refreshing and traditional shopping experience for all ages.
Historical research indicates that following the first European Settlement of the Dandenong District in the late 1840s, the importance of the area as a meeting and trading Centre soon became apparent. When the proposed settlement of Dandenong was first surveyed in the 1850's, two acres of land was set aside as cattle yards. The idea at this stage was to develop Dandenong as a Market town.
In November 1863 ratepayers petitioned for the establishment of a Market and in 1864 the Colonial Government officially granted approval for the development of the Dandenong Market. Soon after a site in Dandenong for a Public Market was secured on the intersection of Lonsdale and McCrae Streets. In October 1866, the market was officially open for business.
In 1926 the Market was relocated to its existing site on the corner of Clow and Cleeland Streets, and in 1958 the livestock section of the Market moved to the area on Cheltenham Road, behind the Dandenong railway yards. Although the Market is still in the same spot, the buildings and structure of the Market have changed over the years.
In 1996, the Market is underwent a complete overhaul, with extensions to the fruit and vegetable areas, development of a multi-level carpark, implementation of internal and external "themed" Market signage, painting of the entire Market, coloured striped awnings as well as a new Market Logo. The market has been a drawcard for shoppers since it first opened in 1866 and remains one of Dandenong’s most iconic attractions. The redevelopment of the market will renew the facility and ensure the market’s long-term future to attract more diverse audiences and maintain a position of providing a unique and affordable shopping experience for both local shoppers visitors and alike.
The redevelopment will include a large fresh food section, increased space for fruit and vegetables a new produce hall and a meat, fish and deli area.Stage Two of the redevelopment is currently underway, with an overall expected completion date of June 2010. Visit our redevelopment page for further details.
Market management
The Market is owned by the Greater City of Dandenong Council and is managed by Savills Pty Ltd, a leading global real estate service provider listed on the London Stock Exchange, established in 1855. It is a company that leads rather than follows and now has over 200 offices and associates throughout theamerica’s, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. In Australia, Savills employs over 560 staff with a focus on delivering results in the areas of asset management.
A unique combination of sector knowledge and entrepreneurial flair gives clients access to real estate expertise of the highest caliber. We are regarded as innovative, thinking organisation backed up with excellent negotiation skills.
For futher information visit the Savills website.