A multimillion-dollar footpath blitz is aiming to entice people back into the city

The City of Melbourne will spend $6m on footpath upgrades in a bid to get more people back to the CBD.

The footpath blitz will concentrate on some of the busiest parts of the CBD. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Footpaths will be upgraded across Melbourne’s CBD in a multimillion-dollar blitz to entice people back into the city.

The City of Melbourne will spend $6.3m across ten sites to repair and upgrade footpaths across the municipality.

The 4800 sqm of work will take place across some of the most popular city areas, including Collins St, Exhibition St, La Trobe St, Queen St and Lonsdale St.

Existing asphalt footpaths will be replaced with the bluestone pavers, while new pedestrian access ramps and vehicle crossings will be constructed in some locations.

The upgrades will be carried out on Collins St, Exhibition St, La Trobe St, Queen St and Lonsdale St. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

“This blitz will make our streets sparkle, delivering safer and more accessible paths to ensure Melbourne is in top shape heading into the busiest period of the year,” Acting Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece said.

“Footpaths in the CBD are the largest and most used open spaces in Melbourne, with our bluestone pavement an iconic part of the city’s charm and character.”

CBD pedestrian activity was only 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels over July and August, while Melbourne has the lowest office occupancy rate of any capital city in Australia.

However, the council is forecasting a pick-up in activity as Melbourne heads into the warmer months.

“We want to create an inviting city which encourages visitors, workers and students to stay longer, while also providing a safe space for our traders to work,” Mr Reece added.

The council has promised that access to residential properties and businesses won’t be cut during all the work.

Acting Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece says the upgrades will make footpaths safer and more accessible.

The footpath blitz also comes in the wake of the Herald Sun’s Comeback Melbourne campaign – which saw civic and business leaders come together to urge workers return to the city as Covid-19 cases plummet.

The upgrades will commence in the coming weeks and works are set to be completed by mid-2023.

Victorians are being encouraged to support businesses on the city with the return of the state’s popular rebate program to boost the economy after Covid.

Customers are once again able to claim 25 per cent of their money back when they spend at least $40 out and about in Victoria.

This includes meals and pubs and restaurants, tickets to live music gigs or art shows and entries to galleries or amusement parks.

The rebate scheme was first introduced in March this year and Victorians claimed $32m in just three months.

Originally published as A multimillion-dollar footpath blitz is aiming to entice people back into the city