Yarra Council is adopting clearer rules for Richmond’s Gleadell Street Market so it can keep doing what locals value most.
The Gleadell Street Market Policy 2026 sets out straightforward rules for allocating stalls, deciding what can be sold and issuing, renewing or cancelling permits.
The policy recognises the market as more than a place to shop. It is where neighbours meet, families buy their weekly fruit and vegetables, and small businesses build lasting relationships with locals.
Keeping it fresh
To protect that character, Council is aiming to keep at least 70 per cent of stalls for fresh produce wherever possible, with fresh fruit and vegetables taking priority. For shoppers, that means a strong range of everyday essentials at the centre of the market.
When a stall becomes available, it would usually be offered first to an eligible neighbouring trader who has fewer than two stalls. If more than one neighbour is eligible, the trader who has served the market longest would be considered first.
If no neighbouring trader takes the space, it would go to someone on the waiting list. If that choice would push fresh-produce stalls below the 70 per cent target, applicants planning to sell fresh food would be given priority.
The policy also sets a clear limit of two stalls per trader. This would help share limited market space fairly and give more businesses a chance to take part.
Traders who already have more than two stalls could keep them while they continue operating at the market. Council’s Manager of Compliance and Parking could also approve a temporary third stall when it is needed to keep the market viable or protect the fresh-produce target.
Keeping it fair
The policy also respects the contribution of long-standing traders. Someone who has traded at the market for at least 10 years and retires, or must stop because of ill health, can nominate an immediate family member or employee to take over, subject to Council approval. This pathway will apply to no more than two stalls.
Clearer rules about who runs each stall will help customers know who they are buying from and protect the trust built between traders and the community.
Permits can’t be sold, transferred or sublet. Traders, or members of their immediate family, would generally need to be at the stall on every market day unless the market operator had approved another arrangement.
Keeping it welcoming
Traders using generators will need to tell Council, cover cables so no one trips, keep equipment in good condition and stay within a 65-decibel noise limit. New traders will need to use electric generators unless Council approves another option for a clear reason.
Generators would also need to sit in well-ventilated areas, with exhaust directed away from shoppers, food preparation and nearby stalls. These practical safeguards reduce noise and trip hazards.
Each trader will also be responsible for keeping their stall and the area around it tidy, using Council’s bins and taking away all waste from trading at the end of the day. If rubbish is left behind, Council’s contractor may remove it and charge the trader. The aim is simple – a clean market and clean streets for nearby residents.
One stall will be available each market day for local not-for-profit organisations, schools and community groups. It can be used to share information, promote services and invite local participation, but not for political or election campaigning.
The market itself will remain apolitical. Political or campaign activity will need to happen outside the road-closure area and would require a separate public-space activation permit. This keeps the market focused on shopping, local services and community connection.
Permanent traders will also form a working group that meets every three months to discuss day-to-day issues, concerns and new ideas. Where possible, Council will talk with affected people before making significant operational changes. That gives those who know the market best a stronger voice in its future.
Together, these changes offer a practical way to protect what people already love about the Gleadell Street Market while making it fairer, safer and ready for the years ahead.
