Port Phillip Council votes to close St Kilda’s Acland St to traffic

TRADERS in one of Melbourne’s best-known dining precincts fear a controversial revamp will “kill” business in their popular street.

Concerned St Kilda residents hold a funeral march during a St Kilda traders mock funeral to protest upgrade for tram route 96 on Sunday 10th November, 2013.

PORT Phillip Council is moving ahead with a proposal to close St Kilda’s Acland St to traffic despite concerns from nearby traders.

Last night councillors voted unanimously in favour of pushing forward with the plans, which also involved moving the existing 96 tram terminus 54 metres into Acland St, opening up a mall-like area.

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The proposal has raised the ire of some residents, with concerns Elwood people were overlooked during consultation.

And St Kilda traders fear plans to make Acland St a pedestrian-friendly mall will grind access to the area to a halt.

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Thirteen people voiced their opinions during what was sometimes a heated meeting, with the vast majority speaking out against the plans.

The packed gallery was urged to be respectful as Public Transport Victoria officials tried to assure traders they would do what they could to avoid disruption.

Michael Roberts, who has worked in Acland St for the past 10 years, said he was concerned the council would push people toward the St Kilda Triangle development when it was completed.

Mr Roberts, who wore a T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan ‘Don’t Kill Acland St’, said the plans would leave the street with no parking and a terminus that was too big.

“I’m an employee, not an employer, and I believe Acland St is more than the heart of St Kilda,” Mr Roberts said.

The Acland St Traders Association also presented a 1000-signature petition against the plans.

Cr Serge Thomann said he’d known the Acland St upgrade would be a contentious issue for years.

“This has been the hottest topic in St Kilda in the past three years,” Cr Thomann said.

“The consultation has been done, everyone likes progress, it’s now time to move on.”

The council released a community engagement report, which included a survey of 445 people that found the majority of respondents agreed plans provided open space, supported local shopping, allowed easy access and captured the “essence of the St Kilda vibe”.