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                    Draft Future Streets Framework 2030 and Beyond

                    Melbourne is the fastest-growing capital city in the country, and we’re planning for our bright future. The draft Future Streets Framework 2030 and Beyond proposes to guide the future planning and design of our city streets to create safe, efficient and vibrant spaces for everyone.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​98 per cent of Melbourne's public open space is in its streets. As Melbourne grows to be a city of 9 million people by 2056, a balanced approach to the planning of our streets will help to ensure our city thrives and welcomes a growing number of workers, visitors and residents, while boosting economic activity for traders and employer​s.  

                    That’s why we’ve developed the draft Future Streets Framework 2030 and Beyond.  

                    Informed by consulted strategies, data and research, the draft Future Streets Framework 2030 and Beyond proposes design principles and priorities that help to ensure Melbourne remains an attractive place for residents, workers, visitors and businesses to come to and spend time in. 

                    The draft Framework does not propose any immediate changes to the city’s streets. Future projects would be subject to community consultation, feasibility studies and traffic impact assessments to ensure designs meet the many and varied needs of our community.​

                    For more information, email us at futurestreets@melbourne.vic.gov.au​.

                    Future Streets Framework FAQs

                    Why do we need a Future Streets Framework?

                    Melbourne’s central city is undergoing rapid transformation. New infrastructure projects are close to completion and will impact how people come to and move around the city. With more people than ever calling the city home, it’s important that we plan for Melbourne’s future, today.  ​

                    The draft Future Streets Framework 2030 and Beyond proposes a long-term strategic vision for how street space in the Hoddle Grid can be equitably managed for decades to come, as Melbourne grows to a projected 9 million people by 2056.   

                    ​The Framework proposes potential design principles and opportunities to maximise safe and equitable access and improved amenity in the central city, for a diverse and growing residential, worker and visitor population.   

                    Informed by consulted strategies, data and research, the Framework proposes to ensure that Melbourne remains an attractive place for residents, workers, visitors and businesses to come to and spend time in. By proposing ways for our streets to be equitably accessed, the Framework will enable the city to function better for deliveries, emergency services and businesses while providing efficient access for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. ​

                    Why is now the right time to consider the Framework?

                    From 2024, two new metro stations will bring half a million more visitors to the CBD per week, equivalent to 26 million visitors a year. The National Gallery of Victoria Contemporary will attract an additional 3 million visitors a year when it is completed in 2028. Current developments at Queen Victoria Market, including Gurrowa Place, Market Square and Queens Corner Building will attract a projected 18 million visitors each year.  

                    These projects are transformative for the city and will change how people access and move around the Hoddle Grid. With more people than ever calling the city home, it’s important that we plan for Melbourne’s future, today.  

                    The draft Future Streets Framework 2030 and Beyond is a long-term strategic vision for how street space in the Hoddle Grid can be equitably managed for decades to come. Any implementation of a final Framework is subject to further consultation on draft Annual Budgets, Annual Plans, concept designs, and the endorsement of Councillors. 

                    Will the Framework change the way I access the city?

                    Ensuring that everyone feels welcome is vital to our city.

                    The draft Future Streets Framework 2030 and Beyond proposes a long-term strategic vision for how street space in the Hoddle Grid can be equitably managed for decades to come. The Framework proposes opportunities for more people to comfortably access city streets and more space allocated for trees, greening and outdoor experiences.  

                    Informed by consulted strategies, data and research, the Framework proposes design principles and priorities that help to ensure Melbourne remains an attractive place for residents, workers, visitors and businesses to come to and spend time in. By proposing ways for our streets to be equitably accessed, the Framework will enable the city to function better for deliveries, emergency services, mobility impaired persons and other people who require efficient access to and around the city.  

                    The Framework includes and provides for cars, delivery vans, trucks, emergency services, trades and other vehicles which deliver essential services for a safe, vibrant and thriving city.​

                    How can the Framework benefit central city residents?

                    Melbourne’s central city is undergoing rapid transformation. New infrastructure projects are close to completion and will bring an additional 47 million visitors to the CBD each year by 2028. Residents in the CBD are projected to double to 89,000 by 2041, continuing the CBD’s status as the most densely populated suburb in Australia.  

                    With more people than ever calling the city home, it’s important that we plan for Melbourne’s future, today.  

                    The Framework proposes potential design principles and opportunities to maximise safe and equitable access and improved amenity for a diverse and growing residential, worker and and visitor population. The Framework is proposed to support residents to comfortably access services and spaces across the city, connect and come together, and receive goods and services at their home.

                    How can the Framework benefit businesses in the central city?

                    The Framework proposes opportunities for more people to comfortably access the central city and enjoy welcoming streets that invite people to stay. By proposing ways for our streets to be as welcoming and accessible as possible, the Framework will enable more people to visit, linger and invest in services, businesses and venues. 

                    The Framework includes and provides for cars, delivery vans, trucks, emergency services, trades and other vehicles which deliver essential services for a safe, vibrant and thriving city. Customers or workers who drive will continue to have access to nearby on-street or off-street parking. 

                    Any implementation of a final Framework is subject to further consultation on draft Annual Budgets, Annual Plans, concept designs, and the endorsement of Councillors. 

                    How does the Framework consider people with accessibility needs?

                    Accessibility and inclusion are key council goals, as outlined in our Transport Strategy 2030 and Inclusive Melbourne Strategy 2022. The Framework proposes that our streets are inclusive spaces ​​​– easy to navigate for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  

                    The Framework proposes the following street improvements to enhance accessibility, safety and wayfinding:  

                    • Ensure adequate space for pedestrians to move safely and efficiently on all streets.  
                    • Support pedestrian priority on streets with high pedestrian volumes, in particular around major public transport hubs and retail areas.  
                    • Increase the size and frequency of pedestrian crossings along major streets.  
                    • Ensure adequate disabled parking.  
                    • Implement shared zones in key streets to support safe pedestrian areas.  
                    • Deliver high quality protected bike lanes in key streets, which allow for a range of micro-mobility modes and experience levels.  
                    • Reduce through-traffic in key streets while enabling local vehicle access for residents, deliveries, servicing and emergency services. ​

                    How does the Framework align to the Parking and Kerbside Management Plan?

                    Our Parking and Kerbside Management Plan informs the management of the central city’s kerbside space. The Plan will guide our decisions around on-street parking in the central city and how we optimise access to this important space.  

                    Both the Framework and Plan are about resource allocation for the fair, efficient and equitable use of street space. The Parking and Kerbside Management Plan is being implemented now.  

                    As the Framework does not propose detailed designs for individual streets, determining the parking needs of our streets will be informed by the Parking and Kerbside Management Plan through project planning and delivery.  

                    Access to off-street parking will not be impacted. The Framework proposes that on-street parking will continue to be provided in key locations for loading, disabled parking, pick-up and drop-off and short-term stay. On-street parking represents 4 per cent of all parking available in the city. The remaining 96 per cent of parking is managed off-street in commercial car parks. ​

                    When will changes proposed by Future Streets be implemented?

                    The draft Future Streets Framework 2030 and Beyond proposes a long-term strategic vision for how street space in the Hoddle Grid can be equitably managed for decades to come, as Melbourne grows to a projected 9 million people by 2056.   

                    It is proposed the Framework will help to shape incremental investment in central city streets over multiple decades, to support the growth of a vibrant, inclusive and high functioning city. Any implementation of a final Framework is subject to further consultation on draft Annual Budgets, Annual Plans, concept designs, and the endorsement of Councillors.​
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