‘Tired’ streetscape a call to arms for Kingsway traders

It’s one of the most popular foodie precincts in Monash. But it is in desperate need of a revamp if it’s going to continue to be a mecca for dining out.

Traders feel that Kingsway in Glen Waverley is looking tired. Picture: Andy Brownbill

One of Monash’s premier foodie precincts is looking ‘tired’ and in need of some “TLC”.

The Glen Waverley Traders Association is taking a double-pronged approach to the endeavour, urging Kingsway businesses to take pride in their appearance and for Monash Council to invest in sprucing up a streetscape which has barely changed in decades.

Association president Christo Christophidis said the shopping strip needed a mandate to achieve a certain standard and keep it there.

“This is an affable, family neighbourhood,” he said.

“We have the best schools within 2-3km from here. We need to reflect that.

“Kingsway is not the diamond in the rough anymore, it is the rough in the diamond.”

With light towers that are more than 35 years old, the paved footpath of a similar vintage, a lack of visual consistency, unused space and about 20 white flag poles that stand forlornly without apparent purpose, it is clear the strip needs some investment.

The light poles on Kingsway have been there for more than 30 years. Picture: Andy Brownbill

But the association is not only calling on council to invest — “We also need to look at ourselves”.

Ray White Commercial Glen Waverley managing director Ryan Trickey said Kingsway was in “real need of some TLC”.

“How can we make this a nicer and better place,” he said.

“Kingsway is looking tired, the streetscape is looking tired.

“It is missing pavers, bollards are bent over from people hitting them.”

A building site on Montclair Ave is an eyesore, but one which could be easily remedied with boards. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Mr Trickey said the huge investment at The Glen was a positive for Kingsway, as it “probably only strengthened the desire for people to come to the area”.

“With the volume of new commercial and residential offerings coming into the area, there are only going to be more and more people coming to Glen Waverley,” he said.

“People still want to go out and eat and drink, they want to leave their apartments.”

Mr Christophidis agreed that Kingsway was “not in competition” with The Glen.

“We want them to go well,” he said. “The Glen serves a purpose — and so does Kingsway.”

Monash Council did some work on the shopping strip a year ago, while short-term works include new planter boxes, pruning, more street-level feature lighting, repainting light poles and new bins.

The Glen Waverley Library forecourt has recently been upgraded. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Mayor Shane McCluskey said the library forecourt had also been updated to make it “more attractive and encourage people to linger”.

“We share (traders’) vision for Kingsway, that it be an attractive, vibrant and destination dining and shopping precinct,” he said.

“We have listened to concerns from traders about parking issues in Kingsway and that’s why there’s $20.3 million that is being earmarked for the Montclair site and Kingsway in our long-term financial plan.

“This project is more than just a carpark. It’s the first stage in our plan to remove 99 carparks from Kingsway to allow for greater pedestrian access, which will also provide opportunities for more on-street dining and for a more attractive streetscape.”

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Cr McCluskey said Kingsway was “a unique shopping precinct” because it was book ended by The Glen at one end and the library and outdoor precinct at the other, while in between there is “a wide and straight link that is perfect for outdoor dining and strip shopping”.