Frankston City’s Station Street Mall shines with national award

Published on 20 October 2021

Frankston’s Station Street Mall has cemented its status as a beacon of pride and a symbol of the transformation occurring in the City with its win in the Civil Landscape category at the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) National Awards 2021.

The award lauded the team that has shaped the Station Street Mall including Frankston City Council and Site Office.

Council CEO Phil Cantillon said the Station Street Mall is in the heart of Frankston’s city centre, adding the upgrade includes stunning timber decking with public seating, outdoor dining, planting and lighting.

“A range of smaller and larger spaces are framed around vibrant garden beds – offering something for everyone – and helping to organise different activities in the mall. The timber deck is designed to support the activities of the adjacent businesses while also providing ample public seating around the circular garden beds,” Mr Cantillon said.

Mr Cantillon said the use of high quality materials with lower carbon footprints, such as timber, highlights the Council’s commitment to sustainability and protecting our precious environment.

“Public lighting has been upgraded to improve safety at night with suspended festoon lighting that hangs from centrally located light poles.

“The Mall has seen an increase in (pre lockdown) visitors boosted by an ongoing activation program and supported by surrounding businesses. After the current lockdown ends, there’s no doubt residents and visitors will head back again,” Mr Cantillon said.

North East Ward Cr David Asker said the award underscores Council’s dedication to the ongoing transformation of the Frankston City centre and creating the best outcomes for residents, visitors and business operators.

Cr Asker noted that in 2018, Council recognised that the revitalisation of the Station Street Mall was necessary as a catalyst for positive change.

“Following the completion of stage one and stage two, the response from our community to the $2.27 million upgrade was immediate and positive with social media lighting up with praise and plaudits,” Cr Asker said.

Cr Asker acknowledged major contributions of $360,000 (State Government) and $100,000 (Vicinity Centres) to the project.

Cr Asker added this collaborative approach and working with stakeholders underscores Council’s dedication to transforming Frankston City as a premier municipality to live, work, play and study.

“Since opening, Station Street Mall has rightly become a beacon of pride within the community and a symbol of the transformation occurring in Frankston,” Cr Asker said.

The State Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke MP, said: “It’s a tribute to the hard work of our community that not only has the Frankston Station been recognised nationally but the State Government and Council’s Station St Mall redevelopment project has now been awarded both state and national awards, bringing Frankston to a new level of recognition!”

In the Award citation, the AILA stated: “This project is a beautiful refurbishment of Frankston’s Station Street Mall. It’s careful consideration of minor and major constraints, fine detailing and opportunistic creativity all contribute to this clever piece of water sensitive urban design.

“Brilliant elements such as the central connecting swale and non-prescriptive spaces combined with a wonderfully designed and executed timber decking and soft lighting provide the industry with a great civic design precedent and give Frankston locals and visitors a special space to enjoy,” the AILA stated.

The National Award comes after the Station Street Mall earlier this year received the Award for Excellence in the Civic Landscape category at the AILA Victorian Awards 2021.