Victoria Street is a shopping street in Richmond. It can be better for business by becoming the core of a 20-minute neighbourhood where local residents regularly visit, shop and linger.
Opportunities
Victoria Street can attract more patronage becoming the core of a 20-minute neighbourhood:
Victoria Street can be revitalised by widening the footpaths, installing separated bicycle lanes and building level-access tram stops. On-street 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.
The key is to understand that on-street parking isn’t the answer – if Victoria Street is attractive then people will find a way to get there.
Example
An example of how Victoria Street can look like can be seen from Carlisle Street St Kilda. Note the wider footpaths, and the separated bicycle lane continuing over the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant level access tram stops. Best-practice bicycle lanes would be wider, e.g. 2 m, and bend behind “floating” tram stops.
Better for drivers
A best-practice bicycle lane can carry more than double the commuters in peak hour than a clearway lane. If more people choose to cycle to the city instead of driving then there is more space in the vehicle lane for cars, which is better for those who need to drive.
Parklets
The City of Yarra has adopted a parklet program, enabling traders to occupy a parking bay for outdoor dining.
Unfortunately the state government Department of Transport does not allow parklets on declared arterials such as Victoria Street. This places traders on Victoria Street at a disadvantage to those on streets where parklets are permitted, such as Brunswick Street, Gertrude Street and Smith Street. The Mayor has written to the Minister for Roads, asking for parklets to be permitted on arterials. You can support this by emailing the Minister and asking for the same.
Local champion
Your local champion for Victoria Street is Victoria Street Alive!, a local community group. View all of Streets Alive Yarra’s champions on our supporters page.
Victoria Street Alive! is an organisation established by local residents who work with local stakeholders (traders, schools, police, health organisations and community members) to collaborate, create and deliver inclusive, place-making projects and activities that will add vibrancy, visibility and vitality to the Victoria Street Abbotsford Richmond precinct. VSA! brings fresh eyes to this precinct by focusing on local streets, laneways, parks and empty shops becoming creative, safe, friendly and appealing places for the whole community. Renewal will be achieved through creating events, activities and spaces where people engage, meet and learn; where ideas take shape; and where collaborations are ignited, and partners are found.
Victoria Street Alive!