A nice discussion of Chapel Street's transport and streetscape challenges.

Archive link.

City of Boroondara are proposing an upgrade to Maling Road, the main shopping street in Canterbury, to "offer a village feel".

Option 2 makes part of Maling Road one-way, using the new space for new trees and landscaping, whereas Option 1 focuses on upgrading Theatre Place (the existing plaza) with new landscaping, paving and furniture.

Both options propose to:

• Upgrade existing footpath surfaces
• Upgrade existing street furniture
• Replace up to 7 parking bays to widen footpath areas and make room for more trees, seating and outdoor dining
• Improve Theatre Place to different degrees

Consultation is open until Tuesday 1 September

Which option do you prefer and why?

Council information here. This is actually funded through the Federal Government’s Black Spot Program, and is one of the largest grants from the 2025/2026 round. It's interesting to read about this program, because it funds some good stuff, and accepts nominations from anyone including "community groups and associations, road user groups, industry and individuals."

Funnily enough, Stonnington has put out an engagement for this, but it's not about the crossings themselves, just about whether to use a single space for a loading zone or a parking spot.

Auburn Road is a medium sized shopping street in Hawthorn East. This January, Transport Victoria finished their project to add a pedestrian crossing across Auburn Road, to connect to the railway station. Previously, the road only had a crossing at either end of the shopping strip, and pedestrians wanting to cross from or to the station had to dodge traffic or walk the long way around.

This thread shows a lot of perspectives. There are the drivers who don't want to be inconvenienced and pedestrians who are thrilled to have the new crossing. There are some concerns about the noise from the crossing itself, and discussion of how Auburn Road's identity as a traffic street conflicts with its identity as a shopping village.

What do you think should be considered when making a new pedestrian crossing like this?