St Kilda’s Acland Street closed for new plans

October 10 2016

St Kilda’s famous Acland Street has closed to allow for a new pedestrian shopping mall and a disabled-access tram stop. Works are expected to be complete by the end of October this year.

Cars are no longer able to access the street, except for emergency vehicles.

Following recent changes to the Disability Discrimination Act, the decision was made last December. The Port Phillip Bay City Council plans to build a new plaza.

Council Representative Cate Mansfield said that the upgraded public transport stop would empower disabled people to “use the system themselves”.

The decision was driven by Yarra Trams’ and Public Transport Victoria’s plans to upgrade the tram terminus on Acland Street. The new twin-track tram stop on the Route 96 line will allow access for wheelchairs and shopping trolleys.

The family-run cake-shop “Monarch Cakes” has been part of the local business community since its opening in 1934.

Dan Markham, an owner,  is unsure how the project will affect business and traffic flow.

Mr Markham said that considering disabled people travel by cars and taxis more than trams, the new project could be more problematic than beneficial.

“You don’t see disabled people getting on buses in wheelchairs,” he said.

Less people have been visiting the street since construction began and Mr Markham said there could be a “traffic nightmare” for cars once the project was complete.

Ms Mansfield said the council would run a marketing campaign to support local traders and to keep people visiting the street.

Ms Mansfield said “one of the main outcries was for some public spaces” not commercial.

Local St. Kilda resident Geoff was against the idea of the new mall.

“Malls generally take on a greasy spoon neighbourhood feel,” he said.

Acland Street works are expected to be complete by the end of October this year.