Victoria Street is a culturally significant and economically important precinct, renowned for its strong Vietnamese connection and for the contribution of residents and businesses who give the street its character. But ongoing challenges related to safety, amenity and business confidence mean the precinct isn't reaching its potential.

Following a Council resolution in April 2025, we've prepared a draft Victoria Street Revitalisation Plan for the precinct, which stretches from Hoddle Street to Burnley Street.

Based on research, expert advice, and early feedback from stakeholders and our community, the Plan focuses on delivering visible improvements to public spaces, enhancing safety and amenity outcomes and providing the environment to attract new investment and development.

The draft Plan is built around five key priorities:

• A safe, vibrant, and welcoming precinct
• A strong local economy
• A place that celebrates its communities and cultures
• A precinct ready for new development and investment
• A shared commitment to revitalisation

To deliver on these priorities, the Plan also identifies five bold ideas we're calling 'Game Changers' which have the potential to fundamentally shift how the precinct looks, feels and functions.

Subject to Council adoption, implementation will begin in the 2026/27 financial year. The draft Plan includes actions to be delivered over the short, medium and long term, with some initiatives already underway as part of Council's commitment to Victoria Street.

The draft Plan does not cover direct responses to health, harm reduction, justice, or law enforcement matters, as these sit with the State Government rather than local government.

While Council is strongly advocating for the State Government to act on these issues — including increasing Victoria Police presence, partnering with outreach services, and relocating the Medically Supervised Injecting Room (MSIR) — they are the responsibility of key stakeholders such as the Department of Health, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Victoria Police, and various health and support services, including alcohol and other drug services and homelessness outreach.

The draft Plan recognises and celebrates the Vietnamese community's central role in Victoria Street's cultural and economic connection. This is reflected throughout the Plan's aim, priorities and actions, including Priority 3: A place that celebrates its communities and cultures.

The consultation is open from 14 May to 5 June 2026. You can share your feedback by:

• Completing the online survey on the Your Say Yarra website.
• Attending the Langridge Ward Meeting at Collingwood Town Hall, Monday 18 May, 6pm – 7:30pm. Come and meet Cr Aston and share your thoughts on our plan to revitalise Victoria Street.
• Visiting the pop-up at Gleadell Street Market in Richmond, Saturday 23 May, 10am – 12pm.
• Dropping in at The Learning Bank (124 Victoria Street, Richmond) on Thursday 28 May, 4:30pm – 6:30pm or Saturday 30 May, 10am – 12pm.
  • Vietnamese and Chinese Bicultural Liaison Officers will be available to help the community learn more about the project and share their feedback.
• Joining a walking tour along Victoria Street on Tuesday 2 June, 5pm – 7pm, starting at The Learning Bank. Register on Your Say Yarra.

If you require an interpreter to participate in any of these sessions, please reach out to us directly via phone on 03 9205 5555.

After the consultation closes at 11:59pm on Friday 5 June, we will review and analyse all the feedback received.

We will prepare a community engagement report summarising what we heard, including the key themes, priorities and ideas from the community.

We will consider what you told us and make any adjustments to the draft Plan before reporting back to Council.

The final Plan will then be presented to Council for consideration and endorsement, expected in mid-2026. You'll be able to see how your feedback has been considered when the final Plan is presented to Council.

The draft Plan sets out clear objectives, intended benefits and measures to track progress across three areas:

• Amenity: To improve the physical quality, safety and activation of the Victoria Street precinct so that it is a place people choose to spend time.
• Economy: To strengthen the economic activity and business mix of Victoria Street, supporting a resilient local economy that trades into the evening.
• Pride: To build community and investor confidence in Victoria Street as a precinct that reflects the identity and aspirations of its community.

Progress will be tracked through survey results indicating improved perceptions of precinct cleanliness and amenity, and an increase in the proportion of people who feel safe in public areas during the day and at night.

Progress will be tracked through indicators such as the proportion of businesses trading after dark, spend data, the number and value of planning permits within the precinct, and a decrease in long-term vacant shops.

Progress will be tracked through survey results indicating the proportion of respondents feeling proud about Victoria Street.

Because the development and implementation of this plan is a strategic action priority within the four-year Council Plan, Council Officers will report formally to Councillors and the community on a quarterly basis.

Visit the Victoria Street Revitalisation project page on Your Say Yarra to stay informed about the project, upcoming opportunities to get involved, and progress updates.

You can also subscribe to updates on the Your Say Yarra page to receive email notifications.