Sunday Forums #5: Shopping Villages & Streetscapes: What could Port Phillip do?

Forum #5 - Shopping Villages & Streetscapes: What could Port Phillip do?

Port Phillip's Shopping Villages have always been the heart of our inner-urban activity and cafe lifestyle.

Many villages have heritage streetscapes - that are sadly decaying as private interests lack incentive to maintain them.

Over the years, large chain stores have pushed out smaller traders, already struggling with spiralling rents and decline in patronage.

Roads through our villages have become strangled by vehicular traffic, seeking more parking, rather than pedestrian access and outdoor dining.

Economics of scale have reduced diversity of trade: gone are the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker.

Changing climate has forced a need for more canopy cover and greening to create liveable public spaces.

But council are leaving well planned streetscapes and amenity to landlords and retail giants.

Too many of our local shopping strips are in crisis or in decline.

Traders, residents and planners will outline what can be done.