City of Melbourne counts on upgrade of ‘seedy’ CBD precinct to help deal with rough sleepers

It’s a major gateway to Melbourne, but this strip is notorious for rough sleepers and its “filthy” state. Can the council’s $2.1 million plan turn the troubled street around? SEE THE PLAN

City authorities are counting on a streetscape upgrade to help alleviate problems with rough sleepers and “filthy” conditions in a busy CBD precinct.

A $2.1 million upgrade of the southern end of Elizabeth St between Flinders St and Lt Collins St is due to start in early 2020 after being delayed because of private construction works.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the improvements would make Elizabeth St more safe and attractive gateway for the thousands of pedestrians who use it daily

“This will include new bluestone paving, increased outdoor dining areas, creating dedicated cycle lanes, upgraded lighting and additional street trees,” she said.

An image of the proposed changes to Elizabeth St south.

A rough sleeper on Elizabeth St.

The precinct attracts many complaints from residents and traders about filthy conditions caused by homeless people camping on the street, and aggressive behaviour towards passers-by.

Cr Capp recently met with locals to discuss their concerns.

“The issue is the way Melbourne City Council has allowed over 80 per cent of retail in a small area to be fast food or alcohol related,” said one resident who regularly complains to council and police.

“As these premises attract people with disposable income, the endless line of homeless and beggars are drawn to the precinct like bees to a honey pot,” the resident said.

The person said the problems worsened on weekends due to the lack of council clean-up crews.

“The Lord Mayor has been very supportive and is trying to get things done, however, she, like property owners, have been let down by a lack of planning, cleaning and policing in the precinct,” they said.

A man begs near the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders streets.

Cr Capp said that Victoria Police was responsible for dealing with anti-social behaviour, and officers worked closely with the council to monitor the area daily.

“In addition, City of Melbourne officers clean the Elizabeth Street intersection several times a day, empty the bins on frequent rotation and enforce local laws such as littering,” she said.

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The Lord Mayor said Melbourne was the first Victorian council to have an in-house, specialist rough sleeper outreach team which had weekly meetings with police and welfare agencies.

“It’s often a very complex story, and the team says it can take them 60 or more conversations with someone to get them to the point of accepting an offer of temporary or permanent accommodation.”

Meanwhile, homeless youth support charity the Lighthouse Foundation has received a $95,000 grant from Herbalife Nutrition Foundation to upgrade kitchens.

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@JMasanauskas