LiFE Architecture and Urban Design, in collaboration with SORA Interior Architecture and Design and Torsello Architettura, proudly to presented il Mercato Centrale Melbourne, opening in 2024. As the first international iteration of Italy’s renowned Mercato Centrale, this project harmoniously blends Italian culinary traditions with Melbourne’s distinct cultural essence.
Situated at 546 Collins Street in the iconic McPherson Art Deco building, the design reimagines a 1934 structure into a vibrant, multi-level market. Preserving the heritage façade, we transformed the interior to host a dynamic three-level marketplace, seamlessly integrating 35 artisanal vendors, cafés, an upmarket restaurant, and a community space. The layout ensures smooth spatial flow while maintaining visual connectivity among stalls, fostering an atmosphere of community and discovery.
Our design celebrates authenticity, drawing on lessons from Torsello Architettura while adapting them to Melbourne’s unique urban character. Exposed brickwork, concrete finishes, and original beams lend a gritty, industrial charm that resonates with the city’s aesthetic. Addressing challenges such as varying floor levels, we innovatively incorporated them into the design, enhancing rather than hindering the space.
The market’s planning required meticulous coordination with each vendor, ensuring individual stalls met specific operational needs, from refrigeration to display. This collaborative process extended to fostering connections among vendors, creating an interconnected network of artisans whose products complement and enhance one another. The result is a cohesive experience where customers can explore, taste, and immerse themselves in a celebration of Italian cuisine and culture.
Il Mercato Centrale Melbourne is not just a destination; it’s a sensory journey, offering intimate spaces, bustling communal areas, and an authentic taste of Italy, reinterpreted for Melbourne. We are thrilled to have created a place that not only honors its Italian roots but also embraces its new home, setting a new benchmark for culinary and cultural experiences in the city.
