Market permits ensure safety and amenity in public spaces and are suited for regularly scheduled markets that operate for the purpose of selling goods and services.
Applications for markets will only be considered for publicly managed hard spaces where it is deemed appropriate. Scroll down for more information on the locations where applications to hold markets will be considered.
Market permits differ from event permits, as they are scheduled regularly at a particular location and the main activity is the provision of goods and services for the public to purchase.
If you are a vendor wishing to trade at an existing market operating within our municipality, you will need to contact the market organiser directly.
How to apply
To express your interest in applying for a market permit, you will need to:
- Complete the Expression of interest for a new market form.
- Submit the form at least 30 days prior to the proposed market commencement date. Forms submitted with incomplete information will require longer assessment timeframes.
Social enterprises are encouraged to apply. Social enterprises are organisations that combine trade with a social purpose, where that social purpose is a defining part of their business. We welcome the opportunity to support social enterprises, particularly enterprises that are seen to be vital, energetic and entrepreneurial.
All successful permit holders, including social enterprises need to meet the desired application selection criteria.
We currently have issued market permits for the following locations:
- Docklands Farmer's Market – NewQuay Promenade, Docklands
- Lygon Street Market – Argyle Square (Piazza Italia), Carlton
- Southgate Market – Southbank Promenade, Southbank
We don’t accept market applications in parks or green spaces and will only consider applications in public managed hard space, such as promenades or road space with appropriate traffic management.
Prior to submitting an application, we recommend you contact the Street Trading team to discuss suitable locations for your market, and availability of the space.
Please read the terms and conditions before applying:
Fees for market permits vary depending on the location and size of the market proposed.
- $1,184.90 per annum for markets consisting of up to 10 stalls
- $1,778.40 per annum for markets consisting of 11 to 15 stalls
- $1,778.40 per annum plus $89.20 for each additional market stall more than 15
- Social enterprises that meet our definition of a social enterprise under its Social Enterprise Strategy may apply to have fees waived.
A $221.40 non-refundable application fee applies.
We may waive fees if the applicant is a registered charity or not for profit organisation (Consumer Affairs Victoria Registration) or the applicant has an Endorsement as a deductible Gift Recipient from the Australian Taxation Office.
- Our Market vendor list template (DOC 208 KB) lists the details of all vendors intending to sell food & beverage or goods & services at the market in the below template.
- For information to help develop a plan to effectively manage and operate a successful market, please view the Melbourne Event Planning Guide.
- Read the Victoria Police safe event resources External link for the management of crowded places.
- Find out more about what you can do to run a sustainable market by reading the Sustainable Event Guide.
- Learn how to promote your market.
- Read more about temporary structure siting approval applications.
Ask market-related question online
Use 'Market' as the subject.
