Frankston CBD: Plan for new shops, office tower after Myer closure
It’s riddled with empty shops and is battling a youth crime wave, but there are plans to “reimagine” Frankston’s CBD, including new shops and restaurants.
South East
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An Australian shopping centre giant will “reimagine” Frankston’s struggling CBD when Myer exits the seaside suburb.
Vicinity, which owns the Bayside Centre of which Myer is a tenant, said it was committed to the long term future of the three storey complex and was planning “refreshed retail and dining options, flexible office space solutions and activated laneways”.
“Myer’s announcement has enabled us to move forward with our plans to reimagine the sought-after space they occupy,” a Vicinity spokesperson said.
Myer currently leases three levels of the centre and is one of only two tenants, including JB Hi Fi, on level 2 since the food court closed during the pandemic.
JB Hi Fi will move to level 1 and join a new retail and commercial precinct within the centre, which runs from Fletcher Rd to Wells St.
KFC was also expected to soon join the level 1 food court and Country Road will reopen in the centre on Friday after a revamp including the Victorian launch of 5 Star Green Star rated outlet and its Kids World concept.
More tenants for the Bayside Centre, which welcomes more than 10 million visitors each year, were expected to be announced soon.
A key part of the Vicinity’s vision for Frankston is an $116 million eight storey office and commercial tower to be built next to the Bayside Centre on Balmoral Walk.
The 12 Balmoral Walk development, which includes ground level retail and dining below 14,000sq m of office space was granted priority approved by then Planning Minister Richard Wynne in October 2020.
Pre-leasing of the office space has begun via Colliers.
Frankston Business Collective chief executive Jeff Rogut said Bayside Centre’s plans would help increase Frankston’s foot traffic but surrounding traders and the local council needed to take action to capitalise on the opportunities.
Reducing vacancy rates in the CBD, particularly close to the transport precinct, and making workers and shoppers feel safe were key, he said.
Safety concerns in Young St and the laneways around the Bayside Centre were highlighted after an 11 year old girl was allegedly stabbed in Gallery Lane about 12.15am on June 16.
Traders later told Leader Frankston’s CBD was in the grip of a youth crime wave with children as young as 10 regularly stealing from and vandalising their businesses.
Mr Rogut said the council should consider fining owners of empty commercial properties that were not maintained.
“There are too many empty, deteriorating shop fronts. They contribute to the perception that the area isn’t safe,” he said.
Traders also needed to step up and take advantage of council grants available to upgrade their business facades or try new ideas.
“Traders can access up to $30,000 to improve their shop front or signage and there are many who could use a refresh, especially along Nepean Highway,” Mr Rogut said.
The council recently invested $27,000 to bring Betty’s Burgers to the CBD.
The Noosa burger chain opened in Playne St on the weekend with the help of a $20,000 vacant shopfront activation grant, $5000 facade improvement grant (matched dollar for dollar) and a $2000 kerb activation grant.
A further $228,000 in business grants were awarded in 2022 and Frankston mayor Nathan Conroy has just announced “after dark activation” funding.
A total of $120,00 will be available and businesses can apply for up to $30,000 for a regular night-time program or a project to support an after dark initiative.
“This grant is all about introducing new, safe, diverse and more regular activations to our city at night and providing that initial support to businesses so they can continue their projects and initiatives into the future, is a great start,” Cr Conroy said.
