Frankston City Council has unveiled a bright new façade on a formerly vacant CBD site in what it says is a bold, temporary initiative designed to uplift and re-energise the heart of Frankston’s city centre.
Council recently finalised the purchase of 76 Young Street to support future redevelopment opportunities aligned with the Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre (FMAC) Structure Plan. The building is currently used by community relief organisation Project Fresh Start for storage purposes.
Council’s vision, as outlined in the FMAC Structure Plan, is to create safer, more attractive and better-connected pedestrian experience. This includes reimagining the building at 76 Young Street as a possible new gateway into and through Frankston’s city centre, unlocking potential
east–west connections between Frankston Station and Bayside Shopping Centre, the Council said.
The vibrant pink and purple exterior has transformed the previously vacant site into an eye-catching landmark that celebrates Frankston City’s evolution from town to city.
The initiative forms part of Council’s Young Street Action Plan (YSAP), a key framework for strengthening the safety, vibrancy and liveability of the precinct surrounding Frankston Station.
“Frankston City is in the midst of a remarkable transition from a suburban town to a connected metropolitan city. Through initiatives like this façade uplift and our Young Street Action Plan, Council continues to lead with creativity, collaboration and courage,” said Mayor, Kris Bolam.
“This initiative is another way that Council is pro-actively responding to our community’s ongoing frustration with unsightly and vacant buildings in Frankston’s city centre.”
Council undertakes a Frankston City Centre audit every six months to monitor vacancy trends and maintain an accurate database of tenants. As at May 2025, a total of 409 properties were audited, revealing:
- 313 properties (77%) currently occupied
- 79 properties (19%) vacant
- 17 properties (4%) temporarily vacant due to planning, construction or repairs
“Every visible improvement in our city centre builds confidence for investors, businesses and residents alike. These creative touches may seem small, but they send a big signal that Frankston is a city on the rise and open for opportunity,” said Mayor Bolam.
Council has allocated funding in its 2025-2026 Annual Budget to conceptualise opportunities identified in both the FMAC Structure Plan and the YSAP, aimed at creating vibrant and activated spaces for locals and visitors to enjoy.
Councillor, Brad Hill said improving Frankston city centre’s walkability, connecting key destinations, and creating safer, more welcoming public spaces is a key priority of Council.
“We’re taking action to make Frankston’s city centre more walkable, vibrant and connected. The project supports our vision for a safer, more inclusive city centre that encourages movement between key destinations, so people explore and spend more time in our city centre,” said Cr Hill.
“Improving the pedestrian experience in Young Street is central to our vision for a more accessible, interconnected Frankston city centre. The future laneway network will not only strengthen links between the station and Bayside Shopping Centre, but also encourage people to
explore and spend more time in our city centre.”
The initiative complements other recent city centre successes including the expansion of the Community Connectors initiative, the revitalisation of White Street Mall, the renewal of the Library Outreach Service and the near completion of Monash Greenlink improvements, led by the Frankston Suburban Revitalisation Board (FSRB).
State Member for Frankston and FSRB Co-Chair, Paul Edbrooke said the project ties in with the State Government’s ongoing and legacy investment in Frankston City’s transformation.
“Over the past decade, we’ve seen unprecedented investment from the Victorian Government in the heart of Frankston, transforming the city centre into a thriving, modern destination,” said Mr Edbrooke.
“Through the work of the Frankston Suburban Revitalisation Board, we’ve delivered lasting infrastructure, safer spaces and new opportunities that continue to reshape how people experience our city. These outcomes are only possible through genuine collaboration with Council and key partners who share a commitment to Frankston City’s future. As someone who’s been part of the Frankston community for many years, it’s something I’m incredibly proud of.”
This early planning work will help inform future decisions about the site. Council is considering opportunities for community input on future plans as the project progresses.
