Local Shopping Strip Action Plan open for public comment

Published on 17 December 2020

Frankston City’s strip shopping centres are the lifeblood of neighbourhoods across the municipality.

They’re a great place to socialise, shop local and support our hard working traders – many of whom ‘give back’ by supporting a range of sporting groups and organisations.

That’s why Frankston City Council has developed a draft Local Shopping Strip Action Plan, which is currently open for public comment.

North-East Ward Cr David Asker said the plan was designed to guide the future design, development and management of all local shopping strips in Frankston City over the next 10 years.

“Frankston City has 26 local shopping strips and we want to make sure that each is vibrant, attractive, functional and safe. To do this, we have developed the draft plan, which assesses the existing conditions of each shopping strip and identifies opportunities for their improvement. Importantly, it also includes a recommended program of local shopping strip improvement projects to be implemented over the next 10 years,” Cr Asker said.

Cr Asker added: “Well-designed local shopping strips are beneficial for all – residents, businesses and Frankston City. They attract visitors and foster a strong economy, while encouraging social community engagement and promoting outdoor activity.

“Attractive shopping strips will encourage residents to spend time and money locally, instead of being forced to inner city locations. Studies have found strong correlations between rental value, accessibility, active shop frontage and attractive public realm.”

Susan Ke opened her Vietnamese Restaurant, Madam Mekong, in the Beach St East Shopping Strip (near Cranbourne Rd) in May.

Ms Ke said she loved the community feel of both the shopping strip and the neighbourhood.

“It’s been really good – we were attracted by the local feel, good vibes and proximity to the beach,” she said.

Madam Mekong initially sold only takeaway, but recently expanded post lockdown to include seated dining.

A planned upgrade of the Excelsior Drive shopping strip in Frankston North – thanks for funding from the Victorian Government ($100,000) and Frankston City Council ($200,000) – will be completed as part of the Action Plan. Work on the project including revitalising the precinct with trees and garden beds is due to start in March 2021 and will take around three months.

The draft Local Shopping Strip Action Plan proposes a range of extensive actions including:

  • The establishment a Local Shopping Strips Working Group to meet quarterly for the next 12 months to focus on the design, delivery and evaluation of the Action Plan.

  • Consideration of Local Shopping Strips in the development of an Electric Vehicle, Bicycle and Parking Strategy.

  • Development of a standard Local Shopping Strip Identification Sign including illumination.

  • Development of a new and distinctive character for Local Shopping Strips based on each local neighbourhood precinct that celebrates local cultural heritage and community characteristics that reinforce a sense of place and identity.

  • Feature lighting specific for Local Shopping Strips within each local neighbourhood.

Capital works recommended in the draft include additional tree canopy, in accordance with the Urban Forest Action Plan 2020, at Lakewood Estate, Sanders Rd, Seaford Village and Railway Pde.

Other proposals recommended include upgrades to facades, expansion of kerbside dining and an emphasis on street art.

The draft Local Shopping Strip Action Plan can be viewed at www.frankston.vic.gov.au

Provide feedback via email urbandesign@frankston.vic.gov.au or mail Urban Design Team, Frankston City Council, PO Box 490, Frankston 3199. Please note all submissions must be received by 24 January, 2021.

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