In our community, we love our shopping strips — places where we can shop, catch up with friends and enjoy a meal close to home. We love supporting local businesses and would like to see more diverse shops open in our neighbourhoods. This lets us live locally and helps create a bustling local economy. Our strategic objective is to support local businesses and make our shopping precincts even more vibrant and welcoming for everyone.
Major achievement
Through major initiative 6.1, we commenced implementation of the adopted Glenferrie Place Plan to support economic vibrancy and offer more greenery and a safe pedestrian environment.
Glenferrie Place Plan implementation
We’re about to start construction of the Columbia Street upgrades. This will deliver more greenery, new seating and places for our community to gather. We’ll also add lighting and bluestone footpaths to make it safer. It’s a narrow space for walkers, cyclists and cars to share, so we’re widening the footpath and improving pedestrian accessibility. Construction is expected to commence in late 2025 and be completed within the first half of 2026. We’ve also completed the design for upgrading Glenferrie Road streetscape between Burwood Road and Park Street. We’ll now work to secure approvals for future implementation from the relevant authorities. Council’s adopted budget foreshadows construction funding to commence in the 2028-29 financial year, subject to final consideration and confirmation by Council.
Highlights of the year
- We formed a Vibrant Shopping Precincts Advisory Committee with representatives from each of Boroondara’s incorporated trader associations and 4 independent members.
- We supported local businesses with regular workshops and training on topics ranging from sales and social media marketing, to leveraging AI for process improvement and strengthening resilience.