Queen Victoria Market precinct renewal project is set to take another step forward as the City of Melbourne lodged a heritage permit to restore the historic sheds and undertake below ground works.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the permit would allow them to dismantle, repair and reinstate the western sections of Sheds A to D and construct a below ground operational area to provide modern back-of-house facilities and parking.

“We propose to repair and restore the eastern ends of Sheds A to D onsite with intended improvements to include roof insulation and essential services such as access to power, water and better lighting for traders," he said.

“These improvements will allow the market to meet 21st century operational and safety standards, while retaining the traditional open air trading floor that traders, customers and visitors know and love.”

[Related reading: Queen Victoria Market Renewal To Include Greenhouse]Doyle said the City of Melbourne worked closely with experts including architects and heritage consultants Lovell Chen, architects Grimshaw and engineers Mott McDonald on the proposals.

“We plan to repair, conserve and reinstate the current heritage fabric like-for-like where repair is not possible, leaving the open air sheds in a sound condition for the future.”

The plans include new glass lifts and stairs to transport customers and goods from the basement operation and parking area into the heart of the market. The design, including the materials for the lifts and stairs, draws on the traditional market palette and features natural timber, steel and glass.

These lifts and service areas are located in clusters to reduce the heritage impact and visual interruption within the sheds.

Transparent lifts will integrate with the restored sheds and maintain the open market and laneway feel, allowing visitors to experience the theatre of daily market life.

The City of Melbourne has also applied to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning for planning approval for the infrastructure works which will be determined separately.