Option One: Partial closure

Option One proposes the closure of the southbound lane of traffic on Errol Street between Bendigo and Queensberry Streets, resulting in a net loss of ten car spaces. Noting that one car space is currently occupied as a street dining parklet.

Errol Street will remain open for north bound traffic.

Access to Purcell Street (east bound one way) will be via a turning lane on Errol Street.

Traffic conditions on Purcell, Glass and Bendigo Streets will remain as existing.

Option Two: Full width expansion

Option Two proposes the closure of both the northbound and southbound lanes of traffic on Errol Street between Purcell and Queensberry Streets, resulting in a net loss of eight car spaces. Noting that four car spaces are currently occupied as street dining parklets.

Traffic conditions on Purcell, Glass and Bendigo Streets will remain as existing.

Yes, a parking and traffic study was undertaken by an independent consultant in July 2024 that tested parking and traffic impacts of different proposed options for open space on Errol Street and Queensberry Street.

The consultant accounted for forecasts for the West Gate Tunnel traffic using the Victorian State Governments data from the West Gate Tunnel Transport Impact Assessment.

The study shows potential increases in traffic flows are insignificant with redistribution able to be accommodated in nearby streets. This is both under existing and forecast traffic volumes after the completion of the West Gate Tunnel Project.

In the event one of the proposed open space options was supported, existing on-street outdoor dining locations would be incorporated into the design with a layout that fits within the dimensions currently permitted for these areas.

Any additional on-street outdoor dining locations would need to adhere to the current City of Melbourne Outdoor dining permit requirements and application process.

Previous community engagements seeking feedback on Errol Street and the broader North Melbourne area have highlighted there is community support for increased greening and open space.

Additionally North Melbourne has been identified in the Open Space Strategy as an area of limited open green space.

Open Space Strategy 2012 and subsequent Light Touch Review - North Melbourne identified as a high priority for additional public open space, these proposals create additional and increased access to public open space.

Urban Forest Strategy - Errol Street (between Arden and Queensberry Streets) nominated for priority planting in years 5 to 7 (2019-2021) in the North and West Melbourne Precinct Plan, a key implementation tool of the Urban Forest Strategy.

Nature in the City Strategy - Increasing understorey plants on land managed by the City of Melbourne.

Climate Change Adaptation Strategy

Bicycle Plan 2016-2020 - Creating local neighbourhood routes in North Melbourne, connecting schools, shops and community facilities.

Transport Strategy 2030 – Parking rationalisation and facilitating a permeable street network through reduced pedestrian crossing widths.

If this project was to proceed, it would utilise The City of Melbourne's Open Space Contributions Reserve. This Reserve is funded through developer contributions collected during land subdivisions, as mandated by the Subdivision Act 1988. This Reserve is allocated for acquiring land, creating new open spaces, and upgrading existing ones across the municipality, supporting projects that enhance community access to green areas and recreational spaces.

The results of this round of community engagement will be presented to Future Melbourne Committee alongside a draft concept plan for consideration.

If the proposal is supported, a final concept plan will be presented to the community for feedback around mid-2025. Pending positive community input, the design phase would then be completed by late 2025. At that point, the project could advance to construction, with the start date set based on Council priorities and resource availability.

The City of Melbourne is currently undertaking a municipality wide Neighbourhood Parking Review to manage our limited kerbside space to achieve the best outcomes for local businesses, residents and visitors.

Community engagement for the North Melbourne Neighbourhood Parking Review is scheduled for early 2025.