Project Update - August 2020

Last year the City collaborated with Midtown’s traders, residents, property owners and other stakeholders (who formed a Project Action Team - PAT) in a co-design process, to identify priorities to upgrade Elizabeth Street (between Melville and Warwick Streets).

A draft streetscape concept master plan for Midtown was developed in response to the PAT’s vision. This plan re-imagines Elizabeth Street as a more welcoming accessible and people-focused main street.

The future Elizabeth Street has better conditions for walking and cycling, wider footpaths, spaces to sit and rest, greenery, street furniture and public art. These changes would support the vibrant local businesses that Midtown is known for, and build on the area's natural strengths.

We are excited to soon be able to share the concept master plan with key stakeholders and the wider community. Direct consultation with businesses and key stakeholders will be occurring later this month. Key stakeholders and businesses will be contacted directly by the project team in the coming days and invited to participate in this consultation.

When will the project be built?

Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the Council’s financial position. As a result, the funding that had previously been forecast to build this project starting in 2021 is no longer available. However we will continue planning to ensure the project is 'shovel ready', and pursue new funding as opportunities arise, including through Government programs and stimulus packages.

For example, the City has recently been awarded funding to upgrade the pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Elizabeth and Patrick Streets has been granted by the Australian Government under its Black Spot Road Safety Program. Improvements in this location are likely to commence in the first half of 2021.

Upcoming street activation plans

We are pleased to advise that the team from Vibrance Festival 2021 are still working on their plans to bring seven days of celebrating street art and culture along Elizabeth Street this coming summer.

In addition to Vibrance, we are looking to work with the Project Action Team and local traders to identify and develop potential initiatives to encourage activation in the street to support local businesses, and to continue to develop the sense of place and community connection in Midtown. If you are interested in joining us at a workshop to help plan activation opportunities, please get in touch. We'll settle on a time and date that suits most.

More details on this opportunity will be provided soon.