The City of Melbourne is undertaking a $2.4 million footpath repair blitz as the city counts down to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the return of visitors.
More than 2,600 sqm of footpath upgrades and repairs have been fast-tracked for this month ahead of the expected end of Victoria’s lockdown in late October.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the blitz was about ensuring Melbourne was in top shape to welcome people back to the city.
“We’ve been getting on with the job while every Melburnian plays their part and stays at home,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We want to see Melbourne’s streets sparkling as we welcome everyone back, while keeping many people in jobs during this incredibly tough period.
“We’ll be using locally sourced bluestone to repair and upgrade some of our busiest and heaviest foot traffic areas – from Flinders Street Station and City Road, to Queen Street, King Street, Exhibition Street and Little Collins Street.
“There will be minimal disruption to traders and residents as we undertake this work, which will be completed as quickly as possible.”
The City of Melbourne is exploring multiple initiatives to help draw people back to the city once lockdown ends, including a proposal to bring indoor trading, dining and entertainment outdoors and onto the streets.
The Lord Mayor said the Inside Out proposal has received overwhelming support from local traders, which would benefit greatly from safer footpaths.
“Melbourne’s small businesses have been amongst the hardest hit by the pandemic, and we need to do everything we can to ensure they can survive and thrive once restrictions ease,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Our footpath repair blitz will ensure that traders who move into our streets and laneways have a safe space to work and bring back the hustle and bustle to the city.
“We want our wonderful venues to be able to welcome back as many customers as possible, in line with the Chief Health Officers directions.”
The footpath blitz is already underway across nine city sites, with the majority of works set to be completed before lockdown ends later this month.
Footpath blitz target sites:
- Swanston street at Flinders Street Station
- City Road at 55 Southbank Boulevard
- Queen Street, between Bourke Street and Lt Bourke Street (both sides)
- Queen Street, between Little Bourke Street and Lonsdale Street (west side)
- Flinders Street, between Elizabeth Street and Queen Street (north side)
- Flinders Street, between King Street and William Street (north side)
- Little Collins Street, between William Street and 501 Collins Street (south side)
- Exhibition Street, between Lt Collins St towards the first crossing (east side)
- Trades Hall, at Lygon Street and Victoria Street
