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In November 2007, Council formally adopted the South Melbourne Streetscape Masterplan. This is a major step forward in progressing the actions within the South Melbourne Central Structure Plan (2004).
The Masterplan establishes an urban design vision. It will ensure any future works, build on the grand heritage attributes, context & meaning of the local area, while progressively creating a lively & comfy commercial precinct.
The Vision
In the future, South Melbourne will be a vibrant iconic, place where:
- there is pride in the unique heritage attributes & buildings;
- diverse & confident retail precincts, underpin the strip shopping centre feel;
- an unambiguous sense of arrival is provided through improved directional treatment & gateways at points of entry;
- there is a sense of vibrancy at identifiable nodes through all times of the day & night;
- there is a balanced reference to culture, community, heritage, business & environment;
- traffic calming has enabled the busiest pedestrian pathways to be pedestrian oriented;
- there is evident pride in the presentation & ongoing maintenance within the centre; &
- trees & ground level planting provide an ambient micro-climate for users & visitors to the precinct.
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What area does this plan cover?
The Masterplan covers the traditional commercial strip of South Melbourne & approach road.
 Projects Update Locations - Nov 2007
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What is a Masterplan?
A Masterplan establishes a vision & comprehensive guide for future improvements within the public over the next 10 years.
The improvements are intended to resolve existing problems, improve the look & feel of the main shopping area. Some of the aspects within the plan are minor changes that solve existing problems & can be implemented quickly. Other recommendations are more substantial, which will take time to plan & realise.
Based on the directions within the Masterplan, Council will over the coming years undertake a series of more detailed streetscape design projects. These will require further discussion with the broader community as more detailed designs are developed.
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How has the Masterplan been developed?
The plan builds on the directions within the South Melbourne Central Urban Design Framework, & the South Melbourne Central Structure Plan. These documents provide a blueprint for future planning within the local area.
A more detailed plan was required however, to guide future improvements in public spaces.
Between December 2006 & March 2007, more than 200 residents, visitors, local businesses & members of the South Melbourne Business Association (SMBA), have taken the time to share their vision for improved streets & public spaces. This has been achieved through:
- Project Advisory Committee (Included representatives from the South Melbourne Business Association, Ward Councillor, senior Council staff, & design consultant);
- Attendance at displays at the Town Hall & information ports;
- Comments through Council's website;
- Attendance at the information session.
What are the Projects?
A series of strategic projects have been identified to address both precinct wide & precinct specific issues. Some of these projects include:
A series of strategic projects have been identified to address both centre wide & precinct specific issues. These include:
1. Coventry Street Connections:
Undertake a major streetscape upgrade of Coventry Street to improve connections between the light rail, the South Melbourne Market & Clarendon Street. The State Government (through the Creating Better Places Urban Improvement Grant) has enabled the concept design for this street to commence. Council are currently seeking comment on the draft plan.
Timeframe: Stage 1 is anticipated to commence construction in late 2008
2. Clarendon Street Corner Treatments & Greening:
Upgrade the main street corner sites within Clarendon Street. Modify the kerbs in some locations to provide additional space for streetscape improvements, seating & shade trees. The repetition of improvements to the intersection, will establish a visually strong series of usable public space, whilst also functioning as a traffic calming treatment. An urban design analysis of each intersection between Ballantyne & Bank Street has been conducted. This project will also improve street tree planting, reviewing the health & contribution of the existing Mulberry trees.
Timeframe: 1 - 3 Years
3. Emerald Hill Re-Visioning:
This project will prepare a preliminary design for the creation of a new public plaza space at the forecourt to the South Melbourne Town Hall. It will consider both the proposed use & function of the Urban Studies Centre, & the South Melbourne Town Hall.
Timeframe: Project commencing in 2008
4. Cecil Street Roundabouts:
Upgrade the existing roundabouts along Cecil Street to include raised pedestrian pavements & landscaping.
Timeframe: Ongoing over 5 years
5. Centre Gateways:
Provide distinct eye catching gateway treatments at the main road approaches to the South Melbourne commercial precinct.
Timeframe: 2-3 years
6. Park Street Streetscape Upgrade:
Greening, street furniture & renewing the street surface.
Timeframe: 3+ years
Street Furniture Renewal:
Remove old pieces of Council furniture, & where appropriate replace with the new style seats, bins & bike racks. This will include reviewing the adequacy of cleaning & maintenance regimes within the centre.
Lighting:
Improve lighting within the centre, particularly to footpath areas & facades of heritage buildings.
Power lines:
Explore financial options & costs for the long term undergrounding of power lines in key locations within the commercial area. Identify priority areas & pilot projects.
Greening South Melbourne:
Undertake a street tree planting program. This will include infill planting where trees are missing or in poor condition. Improve the growing condition for existing trees.
You can download a copy of the draft masterplan.
 South Melbourne Streetscape Masterplan (November 2007)
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What else is happening in South Melbourne?
In addition to the projects identified above, a number of other projects from the South Melbourne Central Structure Plan are progressing. These include:
Use eServices to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online. If you prefer call ASSIST on (03) 9209 6777 or TTy (03) 9209 6713 and ask for Renewal.
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