The popularity of the St Kilda Foreshore requires a transport system that responds to existing demands and provides for future needs. Foreshore Connections will create vibrant public spaces where locals and visitors can get where they want to go in safety and comfort.
Fitzroy Street Foreshore Connections is a series of projects in partnership with the State Government to improve access and provide a safe connection between Fitzroy Street and the Foreshore.
Fitzroy Street Foreshore Connections will:
- Link the existing footpaths on Upper Esplanade and Fitzroy Street by creating a vibrant new public space around Cleve Gardens.
- Improve safety and access for people walking between Fitzroy Street and the foreshore, as well as within Fitzroy Street (particularly at the foreshore end).
- Ensure that participation in cycling continues to grow through the allocation of safe and accessible routes.
- Promote and improve access to public transport by building it into an attractive urban streetscape.
- Improve the economic prosperity of the Fitzroy Street Shopping Centre by increasing access to the area and adjoining attractions in St Kilda, including the foreshore and the Upper Esplanade.
- More effectively manage the impact of cars in this major activity centre.
What is happening now?
A planning permit for the works was issued in May 2008. A rolling construction will commence implementation in October 2008.
Draft project staging: when will construction start?
Council officers are currently in discussion with local traders to obtain feedback on the proposed staging of works. Some difficult decisions will need to be confirmed prior to the end of July 2008 (prior to the tender process for works) to minimise project delays and escalated project costs during construction.
When completed, these works will improve travel and movement between Fitzroy Street and the foreshore for everyone.
If you have any comments on the staging of works please contact project information and feedback on 9209 6241 or email place@portphillip.vic.gov.au before the 17 July 2008.
Project Background: Why do we need to improve connections between Fitzroy Street & the Foreshore?
The popularity of the St Kilda Foreshore requires a transport system that responds to existing demands and provides for future needs. Foreshore Connections will create vibrant public spaces where locals and visitors can get where they want to go in safety and comfort. This project will provide direct pedestrian and wider traffic management benefits to the local precinct in association with other key transport improvements in the precinct such as the Luna Park Interchange Project.
The project information brochure can be downloaded here  Fitzroy Street Foreshore connections brochure
Copies of the design can be downloaded here:
 
 Cleve Plaza overall project design (1.27Mb) Cleve Plaza design (1.33Mb)
Cleve Plaza overall project design (222Kb) Cleve Plaza design (242Kb)
Cleve Plaza cross section (452Kb)
Cleve Plaza Cross Section (179Kb)
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The projects
Fitzroy Street Foreshore Connections is a series of five projects in partnership with the State Government to improve access and provide a safer connection. These projects include:
Park - Fitzroy Tram Stop
The Park - Fitzroy Tram Stop ha recently been completed and is the first Platform Tram Stop in an activity centre. The stop has a number of urban design outcomes to tailor it to the streetscape.
Fitzroy Street Greenway Bike Path
The Fitzroy Street Greenway provides a two way path between the Foreshore and Albert Park Reserve. The path will be three metres wide and at the footpath level, provide physical separation between cyclists and motorists on Fitzroy Street. The Greenway will be a major part of the 'Lake Route', one of councils three priority routes in the bicycle network.
The Lake Route will connect the St Kilda Foreshore with major attractions:
- Fitzroy Street
- Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre
- South Melbourne Market
- Melbourne Convention Centre
Cleve Gardens Space and Tram Stop
The Cleve Gardens Space and Tram Stop will provide an enhanced public space for people with facilities and service tailored for pedestrians, cyclists and tram patrons. The space will extend the existing footpath to connect with Upper Esplanade and create a new crossing point from Fitzroy Street to the foreshore. The space will be transformed into a revived, active space which will function in a totally different manner to what currently occurs.
Fitzroy - Jacka Pedestrian Crossing
The intersection where Fitzroy Street meets the Upper Esplanade and Jacka Boulevard will be reshaped making it possible to cross directly between Fitzroy Street and the Catani Gardens. Creating a land bridge where cars now traverse between Fitzroy Street and Jacka Boulevard will transform the way people currently move between the foreshore and Fitzroy Street. This project is a fundamental improvement in the St Kilda's Edge vision- making it easier for people to get across to the gardens and the foreshore.
Jacka Boulevard On-Road Bike Lanes
Jacka Boulevard bike lanes will fill in the gap between existing on-road lanes from both ends, which are proposed for the entire Beach Road Route within the City of Port Phillip. The lanes will provide a safer space for on-road cyclists as well as a bypass of the foreshore promenade for high speed cyclists. The 'Beach Road' is one of council's three priority routes in the bicycle network and forms part of a partnership response to Route 33, providing safe on-road space for cyclists along the Beach Road.
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Traffic changes
A number of changes will be made to maintain access for vehicles and provide for the increased access of other modes into and through the area. The following key traffic changes include:
- Fitzroy Street - Jacka Boulevard connection re-routed
- Sections of Fitzroy Street become one lane in each direction
An independent traffic impact assessment has been conducted to ensure that access to the area and through the area is improved or preserved for all users.
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How has the plan for this project been prepared?
Following an initial feasibility & review, council conducted consultation with residents, traders and visitors during July 2007 through a series of listening posts, a public meeting, and one-on-one discussions in Fitzroy Street.
The intention of this consultation period was to inform the wider community of the project's intent, and seek comment and response to inform the development of a concept design.
Key issues raised by the community that have informed the development of the draft design include:
- The need for a safe crossing from Fitzroy Street to the Foreshore
- The desire to renew whilst protecting the elements within Cleve Gardens
- Improving safety and legibility (ie from the tram stop to the foreshore, Fitzroy & Acland Street) for people getting on and off trams outside Cleve Gardens
- Understanding the impact of the design on footpath trading in the immediate locality
- The possible traffic impacts on adjoining residential streets
- Incorporating landscaping as a key consideration in the design.
A copy of a draft plan was provided for community comment between February and March 2008. In addition, the plans were made available during the public advertising period forming part of the statutory planning period between March and May 2008. No objections were received by council on this planning application.
Further information
If you have any comments on the staging of works please contact project information and feedback on 9209 6241 or email place@portphillip.vic.gov.au before 17 July 2008.
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