On Monday 15 June, Council endorsed Year 2 of the Chapel Street Precinct Improvement Plan, committing a further $4.4 million towards revitalising one of Melbourne's most iconic destinations.
The investment builds on the $4.38 million committed last year and continues a coordinated program of action focused on improving safety, amenity, visitation, business support and long-term planning for the precinct.
For many Melburnians, including lifetime Greville Ward resident Mayor Melina Sehr, Chapel Street holds a special place in our collective memory.
"While its identity has evolved over time, its future success will not be defined by recreating the past. It will be shaped by its ability to adapt, evolve and respond to the changing needs of businesses, residents and visitors - that's what this plan is all about."
Today, Chapel Street remains one of Melbourne's most significant economic and cultural destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year and generating more than $1 billion in annual spending for 2025. With multiple major redevelopments underway across the precinct, we know confidence is strong within the property sector. However, like many major urban high streets across Australia and around the world, Chapel Street faces challenges including changing shopping habits, rising business costs, and growing pressure on public spaces and community support services, including those that respond to complex mental health needs and homelessness.
As Cr Sehr explains, these challenges reflect broader issues of our time. They cannot be solved by any one organisation acting alone and Council only has so many levers.
"Nothing about Chapel Street can be addressed in isolation. Real change only happens when we work together through a holistic lens - across safety, business, public spaces, events and long-term planning. Our plan brings the right people and expertise together to drive action."
Over the past 12 months, Council has worked alongside local businesses, Victoria Police, the Salvation Army, Launch Housing, and the broader community to trial new approaches, gather evidence and build momentum. Together we have delivered increased cleaning, safety and lighting audits, joint patrols, a business support program, major activations and targeted marketing campaigns to drive visitation and bring the buzz back.
Year 2 of the plan builds on this work through a range of practical actions, including:
- Expanded marketing campaigns, free events and activations to attract visitors and increase spending with local traders
- Enhanced cleaning, including pressure washing, graffiti and rapid-response cleaning, as well as infrastructure upgrades
- Coordinated safety initiatives delivered in partnership with Victoria Police and community organisations, including increased safety patrols
- Two new dedicated Chapel Street roles focused on business support and digital marketing
- Progression of long-term precinct planning and advocacy to support Chapel Street's future growth and success
Council is continuing to advocate strongly to the Victorian Government for increased investment in social outreach services, Police resourcing, CCTV infrastructure and other initiatives that are critical to addressing the complex issues affecting activity centres across Melbourne.
Cr Sehr said while the work will take time, the Council is confident in the future of the precinct.
"We know this is long-term work, but Chapel Street's best days are still ahead. This precinct has a unique mix of energy, creativity and potential you can't find anywhere else, and our plan is about backing that and giving it the support it needs to thrive."
