Yarra City Council has announced the development of an Urban Renewal Strategy for Victoria Street in partnership with local businesses, residents and the private sector.
The Plan will include a range of short, medium and long-term targeted interventions, including greening and beautifying public spaces, as well as making them safer, the Council outlined in a statement. It will also look to foster a more vibrant and resilient local economy by working closely with existing traders and exploring ways to encourage new investment.
“Victoria Street has been crying out for this sort of help for too long, and we can’t wait any longer,” said Mayor, Stephen Jolly.
“This is not a typical urban renewal plan that is reliant on the State Government. But we understand the urgency and will look to do everything we can within our remit – alongside local businesses and residents – to ensure we meet the moment.”
The Plan will also foreground the Vietnamese community’s role in Victoria Street’s cultural and economic identity. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Vietnamese migration to Australia.
“A lot of us are old enough to remember when this street was absolutely humming,” Mayor Jolly said. “We know how good this street can be, and we need to get back there.”
The Plan will be developed in stages, commencing with engagement with the local community, and be implemented over several years. Initial efforts will likely focus on graffiti reduction, greening projects and improving public safety.
As this work progresses, the focus could then shift to strategic land use and refining zoning to unlock further development, promote economic vitality and foster a growing community, said the Mayor.
“These improvements would provide the foundation for boosting business and community confidence.”
“It’s true that a long-term solution requires State Government buy-in, but this project will hopefully put the pressure on them to come to the table,” he said.
