Frankston’s new Station St Mall shines with major award

Published on 04 June 2021

Frankston City’s new Station Street Mall has received the Award for Excellence in the Civic Landscape category at the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Victorian Awards 2021.

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

North East Ward Cr David Asker said the award is particularly impressive given the high calibre of entries, adding it also highlights Council’s commitment to the positive transformation of the Frankston city centre and creating the best outcomes for residents, visitors and business operators.

“In 2018 we 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 extremely positive with social media platforms lighting up with compliments and congratulations,” Cr Asker said.

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

He said 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.

Council CEO Phil Cantillon said the Station Street Mall is in the heart of Frankston’s city centre and the signature project will be the impetus for the evolution of Frankston.

Mr Cantillon said 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.

The State Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke MP, said: “While we all know how great Frankston is, it’s lovely to see some of the major projects in our community getting the recognition they deserve.

“This is yet another example of the State Government investing in Frankston like never before and working closely with Frankston Council to deliver for our community,” Mr Edbrooke said.

AILA Victoria said: “Station Street Mall is exemplary for its carefully considered and site specific response demonstrates the breadth of skills and leadership that landscape architects bring to issues of urban activation.

“A clear visual unity combined with a spatial diversity, beautifully detailed ensures this modest project is welcoming and source of pride for the public," AILA Victoria said.

Station Street Mall will now be considered for a 2021 AILA national award which will be announced in October 2021.