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.
Challenges and opportunities
On Victoria Street, businesses report that they are struggling, despite the fact that Victoria Street is only 2 to 3 km from the central business district and is served by a tram line. On 8 April 2025 Council endorsed the development of the Victoria Street Revitalisation Plan, aimed at delivering short, medium and long-term interventions. Streets Alive Yarra suggest that the long-term urban renewal strategy most likely to succeed, i.e. to improve public health, safety and amenity in the precinct, is to significantly increase the population that lives within a short walk of Victoria Street, via upzoning.
With a much larger surrounding population, 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.
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.
Lunar Festival
Victoria Street hosts an annual Lunar Festival:
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!