Port Phillip Council calls for feedback on Acland St upgrade

ST KILDA traders say plans to make Acland St a pedestrian-friendly mall will grind access to the area to a halt.

Combining Shop Small and route 96 tram issue. Voxing visitors/shoppers on how they get to Acland St? By public transport or by car? Traders are arguing most shoppers come by car, so they stand to lose lots of trade if they lose parking spaces to the tram route.

ST KILDA traders say plans to make Acland St a pedestrian-friendly mall will grind access to the area to a halt.

Port Phillip Council is calling for community feedback on the plan, which includes removing car parking spaces and closing the Barkly St end of the road to traffic.

The council said wider, open footpaths would give pedestrians more room to wander down Acland St, and making way for a public space — with seating and shelter — which could host events throughout the year.

But Acland Street Village Business Association president Palma Smith said the council was already killing parking spots and street access to the precinct, and that the proposal would “grind access to a halt”.

PORT PHILLIP COUNCIL INVESTIGATES FREE PARKING IN FITZROY ST

She drew parallels with Fitzroy St, saying that thoroughfare was suffering the impact of tram upgrades which segregated the street and reduced access.

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Earlier this year traders had commissioned an engineering report to investigate the option of terminating trams outside Luna Park, instead of on Acland St, hoping the study would stimulate discussions with the council.

The group is now working with urban planners to develop a “community-endorsed” vision for Acland Village.

Business-owners and residents held a ‘Day of Mourning’ for the impending “death” of Acland St when the plans to move the tram stop were floated in November 2013.

Port Phillip Mayor Amanda Stevens said the council had already received suggestions for community markets, art installations and pop up stalls in the area.

“Around 30,000 passengers catch the Route 96 from Acland St each week and we expect a more accessible tram terminus, which can be used by people with disabilities and parents with prams, will bring more people to this much-loved destination,” Cr Stevens said.

Public Transport Victoria spokesman Nicholas White said the design for the new tram terminus was still being refined.

Council will accept feedback on the draft streetscape plan until November 15. The plans and a survey are available at portphillip.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay

Councillors will vote on the plan in December, with potential construction proposed for mid-2016.