String Bean Alley opens at QVM

Queen Victoria Market (QVM) has unveiled Melbourne’s newest laneway experience, with String Bean Alley officially opened on July 19. 

26 independent traders in bespoke shipping containers now call String Bean Alley home, providing a uniquely Melbourne shopping experience in the heart of the city’s favourite market. 

With a history dating back to 1936, the name String Bean Alley pays tribute to the laneway where green string beans were once sold. 

12 new businesses have joined existing traders to offer a variety of locally designed, sourced or produced fashion, vintage, jewellery, art, craft, skincare, toys, books and more. 

From indie bookshop Mary Martin Books to handmade cards and gifts from The Paper & Wood Co., unique clothing from Miss Brown Vintage, and artisan chocolate makers Melbourne Cocoa, String Bean Alley offers something for everyone. 

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the revival of String Bean Alley, located between L and M sheds, was part of the City of Melbourne’s $250 million renewal of the QVM precinct. 

“String Bean Alley is the new place to find Melbourne’s best independent makers, creators, designers and artists,” the Lord Mayor said. 

“We expect the unique shopping experience and facilities to attract more customers to this part of the market, as well as provide weather protection and storage for traders.” 

“More than nine million visitors come to the Queen Vic Market each year for its traditional open-air market experience, and this magnificent new precinct will be a drawcard for new and existing customers.” 

“This is the latest project we have delivered to improve the experience for customers, traders and visitors to the market. We’ve also installed new seating, fruit trees and umbrellas in the new pedestrian plaza on Queen St, along with our red coat volunteers at the Visitor Hub.” 

QVM CEO Stan Liacos said the rejuvenation of String Bean Alley was crucial to encourage new visitors to the market while celebrating its rich history. 

“The String Bean Alley precinct represents a new era for the market,” Mr Liacos said. 

“This section of the market is now acting as a small business incubator, providing a platform for specialist traders offering products and services that are locally designed, sourced or produced.” 

String Bean Alley marks another part of a series of crucial market improvements as identified in the QVM Precinct Renewal Master Plan. 

String Bean Alley traders are open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and Wednesday evenings during The Night Market event series.