The City of Melbourne Street Network is Changing – Have your say on the Future Streets Framework

The City of Melbourne (Council) has proposed the Future Streets Framework (Framework).

The Framework seeks to implement the strategic directions of the Transport Strategy 2030, which seeks to reallocate more space to people walking and cycling in the Melbourne CBD, reduce central city through-traffic and transform precincts around major transport interchanges into pedestrian thoroughfares.

New Street types hierarchy

The Framework proposes a number of significant changes, which will see streets in the Melbourne CBD placed in a hierarchy, some of which will heavily prioritise pedestrians and public transport.

An overview of the street types proposed are shown in Figure 22 of the Framework:

In the ‘Melbourne Square’ streets a significant reduction of movement for private vehicles is proposed, either through full closure or partial closure (such as lane restrictions, open in one direction and / or timed access during peak and non-peak periods).

The proposed changes raise a number of practical issues in relation to access to businesses, tenant car parks and deliveries; as well as general impacts on traffic flowing in and out of the city and surrounding areas.

The Framework is silent as to how these issues will be managed.

Consultation – opportunity to share your views

Community consultation on the Framework is open until 11 October 2023 and there is an opportunity to make a submission to Council if the Framework raises any matters of concern. If you would like to discuss the potential impact of the Framework on your property, or require assistance preparing a submission to Council, please contact Andrea Towson.

A full copy of the Framework can be accessed here: Draft Future Streets Framework.

If you found this insight article useful and you would like to subscribe to Gadens’ updates, click here.

Authored by:

Andrea Towson, Partner
Maria Anenoglou, Senior Associate