To create this new space, an area of Lower Esplanade in front of the Palais Theatre has been closed, and the road to the west of the closure (extending to Jacka Boulevard) will be converted to a two-way roadway.
The road closure process has been undertaken in accordance with the Local Government Act 1989, which required the proposed road closure to be publicly advertised. Council approved permanent partial closure and change in road function of Lower Esplanade at its 8 December 2021 Ordinary Council meeting. Council reports are available on the Meetings and agendas page of Council’s website the Friday before each Council meeting: https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/about-the-council/council-meetings/2021-meetings-and-agendas
Cavell Street shared zone
Converting the section of Cavell Street between the Palais Theatre and Luna Park to a shared zone is being managed through a separate process in consultation with the Department of Transport (DoT). Approval from DoT was granted in May 2022 supporting the proposed changes to provide a safe and compliant outcome for pedestrians and vehicular traffic.