Alexandra Street Green Corridor

Balaclava and St Kilda East contain eight open spaces, which make up only 5% of the total neighbourhood area. These neighbourhoods have the lowest provision of open space in the municipality - significantly below the City average of 17% - and represent one of the most substantial gaps in our public space network.

To address this, the Places for People: Public Space Strategy 2022–2032 (PSS) identified Balaclava and St Kilda East as priority areas for additional public open space. The PSS Technical Report included an action to:

“investigate options for planting additional street trees along Alexandra Street to improve urban greening and increase shading in the neighbourhood”.

On 20 August 2025 Council endorsed the Urban Forest Precinct Plan Balaclava and St Kilda East (UFPP), which includes an action to implement a new streetscape design in Alexandra St, with two key moves.

1. Develop a green corridor on Alexandra Street alongside the St Kilda Cemetery, including new vegetation and trees, aiming to reach 40% canopy cover and improve biodiversity outcomes.
2. Increase street tree planting along street to improve canopy cover. Project to include feasibility, design and delivery of additional street trees. (south of Alma Rd)

The Alexandra Street Green Corridor project is proposing the permanent removal of some on‑street car parking spaces adjacent to the St Kilda Cemetery. These spaces are being repurposed to create new tree planting areas, wider green zones, and improved pedestrian amenity as part of delivering the green corridor.

During the construction period, there will likely be temporary road closures, lane reductions, or altered traffic conditions to allow works to be completed safely. While access to properties will be maintained, residents, businesses, and visitors may experience short‑term detours or delays at certain stages of the works. Any temporary changes to traffic flow, access arrangements, or parking availability will be communicated in advance.

The Urban Forest Precinct Plan (UFPP) identifies Alexandra Street as a key location for establishing a continuous green corridor that strengthens local ecology and improves the pedestrian experience. This project delivers on that vision by introducing new public open space, enhancing street greening, and incorporating water-sensitive urban design (WSUD). These changes will create a more welcoming, comfortable, and visually appealing environment for residents and visitors.

Beyond immediate amenity improvements, the project contributes to long-term climate resilience. Increased tree canopy and new permeable surfaces help manage heat, reduce stormwater runoff, and support biodiversity. Together, these upgrades provide enduring environmental and social benefits, fostering a cooler, greener neighbourhood that better meets the needs of the community now and into the future.

Key deliverables

• New tree planting along Alexandra Street to support Council’s 30% tree canopy cover target and contribute to a cooler, greener streetscape.
• Introduction of alternative greening initiatives, including additional planting, biodiversity features, water-sensitive urban design (WSUD), and selective depaving to improve permeable surfaces.
• Establishment of a green corridor that enhances street level biodiversity through new tree and understory planting, improving pedestrian amenity and creating a richer, more resilient urban landscape.
• Implementation of traffic calming treatments to improve pedestrian safety and overall street amenity.