Smith Street is a shopping street in Collingwood (LAPM 12) and Gold (LAPM 10). It’s a great street that can be even better. Smith Street can be better for business by becoming the core of a 20-minute neighbourhood where local residents regularly visit, shop and linger.

Image credit: Streets Alive Yarra, Apple Maps.

Call to action – complete the survey on engage.vic.gov.au

The state government is planning to build level access tram stops on Smith Street (and Gertrude Street). They’re asking for feedback on engage.vic.gov.au. Please show your support, and it’s a great opportunity to ask for wider footpaths and protected bike lanes, alongside the new tram stops.

Image credit: State Government.

Existing conditions

Smith Street suffers from a lack of trees, space for footpath dining, level access tram stops or separated bicycle lanes.

Smith Street looking south. Image credit: Google Maps.

Previous assessments

As part of the planned re-write of the Yarra Planning Scheme, the City of Yarra published a background paper on access and movement in 2015.

Source: City of Yarra

Yarra’s Encouraging and Increasing Walking Strategy 2005 identified that:

Recommendations for Smith Street. Image credit: Encouraging and Increasing Walking Strategy 2005.

Opportunities

Smith Street can attract more patronage becoming the core of a 20-minute neighbourhood, with wider footpaths, separated bicycle lanes and level-access tram stops. Parking for shoppers can be increased by relocating bays to the first 5-10 spots on each side street, with the first spot reserved for deliveries.

Smith Street could look like Carlisle Street in Melbourne. Image credit: Google Maps.

The key is to understand that on-street parking isnโ€™t the answer โ€“ if Smith Street is attractive then people will find a way to get there.

Image credit: Revitalize, or Die

Small improvements

Council can make small improvements at many intersections, to reallocate space for people, as was done at Easey Street:

How you can help

You can help by appearing on the Streets Alive Yarra website as a champion for your local street, neighbourhood, or school.

Let’s build a beautiful, liveable and accessible city