City of Melbourne is proposing to create a new link between the heart of the CBD and the Queen Victoria Market along Franklin Street, paving the way for the landmark Gurrowa Place development.

Along with a new Market Square and plans for a new multi-purpose civic building, the transformation of Franklin Street will continue City of Melbourne’s investment in the Queen Victoria Market precinct.

Early works on the first stage of this project are anticipated to commence late this year on William Street, which will begin the works to realign Franklin Street to unlock  Gurrowa Place.

The Franklin Street transformation project proposes:

  • 1250m² of open space for residents, workers and visitors to enjoy.
  • Turning four lanes of traffic into two, maintaining access for motorists in both directions.
  • Better connections for people moving between the CBD and Queen Victoria Market.
  • More trees and plants, providing 40 per cent more coverage and helping to create a cooler environment.
  • Improved safety for the community with new pedestrian crossings, lighting and reduced traffic flow.
  • Stormwater flooding management with draining upgrades and water sensitive urban design solutions.

The transformation of Franklin Street was part of the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal Master Plan, and is co-funded by City of Melbourne and the Department of Transport and Planning through the Transport and Amenity Program (TAP).

This city-shaping project will be delivered in two stages:

  • Stage one is from Peel Street to Queen Street and involves removing access from William Street through to Queen Street and replacing the roundabout with a signalised intersection.
  • Stage two is from Queen Street to Stewart Street and involves converting two of the four road lanes into public open space, with wider footpaths and better connections between the market and CBD.

Community consultation closed Wednesday 23 August 2023.

Events

Saturday 15 July 2023 11:00 am – 01:00 pm

Public information session

Meet the team and have your say on this exciting project. You’ll also be able to find out more about future plans for Market Square, the Queen’s Corner Building and Gurrowa Place.

Location: Outside Testing Grounds, Queen Street, Queen Victoria Market precinct

Saturday 29 July 2023 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Information session and walking tour for local residents

Meet the team and find out more about Transforming Franklin Street. This tour is for residents who live on or near Franklin Street.

Location: Testing Grounds, Emporium Room followed by a walk along Franklin Street

Registrations closed.

Saturday 12 August 2023 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Public information session and walking tour

Meet the team and find out more about Transforming Franklin Street.

Location: Testing Grounds, Emporium Room followed by a walk along Franklin Street

Registrations closed.

News

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    Draft concept design and community engagement plan presented to Future Melbourne Committee

    11 July 2023

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    Community consultation

    12 July to 23 August 2023

  • Timeline item 3 - active

    Analyse feedback

    September 2023

  • Timeline item 4 - incomplete

    Stage 2 concept design revised to reflect community feedback

  • Timeline item 5 - incomplete

    Stage 2 concept design endorsed by Council to be released for second round of community consultation

    Early 2024

  • Timeline item 6 - incomplete

    Stage 1 early works (William Street)

    Late 2023

  • Timeline item 7 - incomplete

    Stage 1 major works (roundabout removal)

    Early 2024

  • Timeline item 8 - incomplete

    Progress stage 2 to detailed design

    Early 2024

  • Timeline item 9 - incomplete

    Construction of stage 2 (Franklin Street)

    Early 2025

Document Library

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