Lord mayoral candidate Arron Wood’s bold plan to transform Melbourne into Christmas capital

A bold new plan by lord mayoral hopeful Arron Wood may soon transform Melbourne into the nation’s most festive city, with European-style markets taking over a popular strip.

Melbourne may soon be transformed into the nation’s Christmas capital under a bold new plan by lord mayoral hopeful Arron Wood, who says the festive period surpasses other major events as the city’s biggest money-maker.

Mr Wood’s vision – if elected to Town Hall in October – would see the city host an annual Christmas parade, European-style markets along bustling Southbank and offer free permits to close streets for community events.

“Team Wood will include provisions in their first City of Melbourne budget that will transform the CBD, Docklands and Southbank into a Christmas Wonderland, encouraging families and visitors back into the city,” Mr Wood said.

A special Christmas edition of What’s On Melbourne will also be on offer to promote businesses and various opportunities involved in the event.

Lord mayoral candidate Aaron Wood and deputy mayor hopeful Erin Deering hope to transform Melbourne into the nation’s Christmas capital. Picture: Wayne Taylor

“Our goal is to give people a reason to return to the CBD, supporting retailers and small businesses who are struggling from the decrease in foot traffic,” Mr Wood said.

He said Christmas had the greatest economic benefit to the city of any calendar event, and every dollar invested by Town Hall would hopefully see big returns for small businesses in the CBD, who continually struggled to make ends meet.

Melbourne Business Network president Wendi Dawson told the Sunday Herald Sun she was excited by the idea.

“This will get shoppers and visitors into our city and get our businesses thriving again when so many are currently struggling,” Ms Dawson said.

The proposed Christmas Wonderland comes as Mr Wood confirmed Erin Deering would run for deputy lord mayor in October, labelling the well-known entrepreneur the “perfect choice”.

The dynamic pair have been linked as potential running mates since speculation first surfaced back in June.

Under the pair’s bold plan, Melbourne would host an annual Christmas parade, European-style markets (pictured) along Southbank and offer free permits to close streets for community events. Picture: supplied

Ms Deering is credited with founding the popular Aussie swimwear brand Triangl.

Running on a platform that would support young entrepreneurs like herself, the proud Melburnian said she was ready to change the status quo and bring the city back to its most vibrant self.

“Politics is something I have considered for a very long time,” she said.

“Having had personal and business success, I’m now ready to step up and serve people and the community, which is something that I am incredibly passionate about.”

Mr Wood announced his plans to run for lord mayor last month, telling the Herald Sun he was looking to give Melbourne a “fresh start”.

In the wake of increasing criminal activity in the CBD, part of the “Team Wood” plan would also see a graffiti blitz and council-funded security guards to ensure visitor safety.

The City of Melbourne elections will be held by postal vote this year, with Melburnians asked to vote to elect a lord mayor and deputy lord mayor as well as nine councillors in two separate ballots.