The story so far
In July 2025, Council launched the Chapel Street Precinct Improvement Plan – a $4.38 million investment to uplift the precinct, support local businesses, and drive visitation. This targeted program of improvements is being delivered through $1.1 million from the Special Rate Fund and $3.38 million from Council’s operational budget, reflecting both the importance of the precinct and the need for sustained investment.
Year 1 has been all about kickstarting momentum and laying the foundations for continued investment in the precinct.
Year 2:
Have your say
As we approach Year 2 we are seeking your feedback to guide the next stage of delivery. This consultation is specifically about the elements of the plan funded by the Chapel Street Special Rate Scheme – and as the special ratepayers we want to know if you think we’re on track and have the priorities right.
The actions you’ll give feedback on sit within the wider plan – so it’s important you understand the bigger picture of what is being delivered across the full program. For example: improved lighting for safety is an important focus, but that is covered by Council’s operational budget, not your special rate.
You can read the full Chapel Street Precinct Improvement Plan here.
The Chapel Street Precinct Improvement Plan, identified five priority areas for the precinct:
- Safety
- Visitation
- Amenity
- Business Support
- Long term planning
We are recommending these priorities remain the focus for Year 2 of the program.
Proposed activities funded specifically by your Special Rate contributions include:
- Business marketing and activation initiatives – campaigns and events to drive visitation and spend.
- An uplifted precinct cleaning program – additional dedicated roaming cleaners, weekly pressure precinct washing, and graffiti and rapid response cleaning.
- A new targeted approach to daytime safety to deescalate anti-social behaviour and support vulnerable people in the precinct to connect into services.
- Two new dedicated staff on Chapel Street:
- Business Liaison Officer: a dedicated on-street officer delivering proactive, in-person business services, providing information and connecting you to Council support.
- Digital Marketing Officer: responsible for precinct marketing and social media to strengthen the Chapel Street brand and attract visitors.
These activities are part of a much broader program of investment planned for 2026–27. We are inviting Special Rate Scheme contributors to share their feedback on these initiatives and any ideas for future investment to support businesses and improve the precinct.
Council will deliver a coordinated program of safety, community activities, amenity and precinct improvement initiatives across Chapel Street including infrastructure projects, creative works and lighting upgrades, community safety partnerships, business mentoring, precinct planning, and advocacy on key issues such as illegal tobacco, CCTV investment and activity centre reform.
The draft Annual Plan and Budget will be shared for community feedback in April.
The Chapel Street Special Rate Scheme precinct is highlighted in pink on the map below.
Chapel Street Precinct Improvement Plan - Year 1
Learn more about the first stage of consultation and the work already underway to revitalise the precinct.
What we heard
In 2025, Council undertook the first stage of consultation with 1,614 Chapel Street Special Ratepayers and invited feedback through written submissions, surveys, trader forums and in-person visits with businesses along the precinct.
While participation was modest, several consistent themes emerged.
- Marketing matters – There is strong support for promoting Chapel Street to attract visitation and support economic recovery.
- Safety is a priority – Many stakeholders expressed concerns about anti-social behaviour and the visibility of enforcement.
- Amenity is essential – The presentation of the precinct, including graffiti removal, lighting and cleanliness, was seen as a high priority.
At its meeting on 30 June 2025, Council endorsed the Chapel Street Precinct Improvement Plan. The plan outlines a focused program of works informed by your feedback, and designed to support Chapel Street businesses by attracting more visitors during the day and night, and improve the overall experience for traders, residents and visitors.
Read more about the plan here.
Consultation
Have your say on the proposed Chapel Street Precinct Improvement Plan
We’re proposing some changes to the focus of the Chapel Street Special Rate Scheme in line with the proposed Chapel Street Precinct Improvement Plan.
As a contributor to the Special Rate Scheme, we’re seeking your feedback on changes to how Chapel Street Special Rate Scheme funds are spent and any ideas you might have for future short-term investment in the precinct that will assist business development, safety and amenity.
Strong sentiment from the business community, residents and visitors has highlighted significant concerns around safety and cleanliness on Chapel St, which is impacting business prosperity and economic vitality. The clear message from our community is that the current look and feel of Chapel Street is negatively impacting on people’s perception of the precinct.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to successfully market an area that is not perceived to be clean and safe, which is impacting the reputation and economic potential of Chapel Street. Council understands the importance of Chapel Street and expends significant funds already on cleaning, infrastructure and maintenance, however, given a range of external funding restrictions it must operate under, Council is not in a position to allocate additional funds other than via the proposed re-allocation of Special Rate funds at this time.
Council has been listening to the Chapel Street precinct community – via engagement for projects including the future Chapel Street Transformation project, creation of open spaces, the Place-led Economic Development Strategy and other precinct user studies like Place Score and Community Views. We are hearing that the community wants Council to do more to uplift Chapel Street, as one of the most multi-faceted and diverse commercial precincts in Melbourne. To address these challenges, and in the interests of benefitting businesses, more investment is considered necessary, which is why Council is now proposing a different approach to expending the special rate.
On 28 April 2025, Council considered the proposed Chapel Street Precinct Improvement Plan. The plan outlines short and medium-term ideas, which are intended to benefit businesses by contributing to enhancing public space, boosting business confidence and making the precinct cleaner, safer and more welcoming.
To support delivery of the proposed Improvement Plan, Council proposes to redirect Special Rate funds into initiatives outlined in the plan, including:
- Increased after-hours cleaning and graffiti removal
- Refreshed public spaces and infrastructure upgrades
- Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) reviews of public spaces, including Chapel Street and Prahran Square
- Community initiatives such as the Good Night Out project to support night-time safety
- Marketing and promotion (albeit a smaller funding amount).
As part of this change, Council proposes to transition away from the current funding arrangement with the Chapel Street Precinct Association and deliver services more directly and transparently – in line with the proposed plan’s priorities. It’s about achieving a balance between marketing the precinct as a place to visit and investing in enhanced services and public infrastructure to uplift and improve the precinct for the benefit of businesses and special rate payers.
Council believes this different approach is timely and will support the positive evolution of Chapel Street, focused on outcomes that benefit the precinct as a whole.
Initiative | Actions | Timeframe | Lead | Cost (est.) | Source | |
PRIORITY 01 | SAFETY | ||||||
1.1 | Increase visible and perceived safety and enforcement patrols | 1.1.1 Increase frequency of Council’s proactive enforcement of planning permits for licensed venues and local laws on public drinking. | 2025/26 | Planning & Place | $125,000 (some recovery through fines/ infringement) | Special Rate Scheme (SRS) |
1.1.2 Explore introduction of officer uniforms to enhance presence and deterrence. | 2025/26 | Planning & Place | $4,000 | Operating budget (existing) | ||
1.1.3 Explore a multi-skilled officer/ranger model for improved response capabilities. | 2025/26 | Planning & Place | Included in 1.1.1 | SRS | ||
1.1.4 Engage with Victoria Police to support their commitment to increased presence in the precinct. | 2025/26 | Planning & Place | Nil | N/A | ||
1.1.5 Advocate to the State Government for better policy and tactical settings to facilitate safety, including:
| 2025 | Advocacy | Nil | Operating budget (existing) | ||
1.2 | Strengthen enforcement powers and compliance tools | 1.2.1 Review and expand Local Laws to strengthen enforcement powers around public drinking and nuisance. | 2025/26 | Planning & Place | $80,000 | Operating initiative (new) Potential Urban Precincts & Partnerships Program (UPPP) alignment
|
1.2.2 Planning Scheme changes – e.g. IPO as a control. | 2026 | Planning & Place | Included in Planning Scheme Review Budget | Operating budget (existing) | ||
1.2.3 Review the approach taken by Port Phillip to alcohol-related signage. | 2025/26 | Planning & Place | Nil | N/A | ||
| 1.2.4 Install targeted public signage in key locations to discourage alcohol consumption (informed by recommendations from action 1.2.3). | 2026/27 | Environment & Infrastructure | $10,000 | Operating budget (increased) | |
1.3 | Enhance CCTV network coverage and functionality | 1.3.1 Review and update Council’s CCTV Policy (or develop a new strategy). | 2025 | Environment & Infrastructure | Nil | Potential UPPP alignment |
1.3.2 Engage in M9 and regional conversations on CCTV investment and management | 2025 | CEO’s Office | Nil | N/A | ||
Advocate for funding for new CCTV capabilities, including a new mobile CCTV trailer, additional CCTV at Prahran Market and Prahran Town Hall, and operational funding and support for police real-time monitoring. | 2025 | Advocacy | Nil to council - $250,000 to $300,000 requested | Election commitments/ closed grant funding | ||
1.4 | Upgrade public lighting. | 1.4.1 Conduct a public place lighting audit ensuring user perspective. | 2025/26 | Environment & Infrastructure | $50,000 | Operating initiative (new) Potential UPPP alignment |
1.4.2 Consider key safety hotspots as part of the development of a broader Lighting Strategy. Informed by findings of the precinct safety audit led (action 1.6.3). | 2025/26 | Environment & Infrastructure | Nil | N/A | ||
1.4.3 Implement upgrades based on recommendations from lighting audit (action 1.4.1) and precinct safety audit (action 1.6.3). | 2026/27 | Environment & Infrastructure | TBD | Capital bid (new) | ||
1.5
| Deliver crime prevention initiatives in partnership with businesses and agency stakeholders | 1.5.1 Implement the ‘Good Night Out’ campaign in partnership with Victoria Police, Salvation Army and partnering licensed venues. | 2025/26 | Planning & Place | $20,000 | SRS |
1.5.2 Explore Purple Flag accreditation to position the precinct as a safe nighttime destination. | 2025/26 | Planning & Place | TBD | TBD | ||
1.6 | Improve Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) | 1.6.1 Conduct a CPTED evaluation of Prahran Square to identify design and landscaping improvements. | 2025/26 | Community & Wellbeing | $20,000 | Potential UPPP alignment |
1.6.2 Implement infrastructure changes in Prahran Square to improve safety, sightlines, and usability (informed by recommendations from action 1.6.1). | 2025/26 | Environment & Infrastructure | TBD | TBD | ||
1.6.3 Conduct a safety audit to understand the safety pressure points of Chapel Street and what could be done to reduce risk in these areas. | 2025/26 | Planning & Place | $80,000 | Operating initiative (new) Potential UPPP alignment | ||
1.6.4 Implement additional infrastructure improvements based on findings of precinct safety audit (action 1.6.3). | 2025/26 | Environment & Infrastructure | TBD | TBD | ||
1.6.5 Provide CPTED training for businesses to improve safety within their premises. | 2025/26 | Planning & Place | $20,000 | SRS | ||
1.6.6 Develop a CPTED checklist to guide business-led improvements. | 2025/26 | Planning & Place | $10,000 | Operating bid (new) SRS | ||
Initiative | Actions | Timeframe | Lead | Cost (est.) | Source | |
PRIORITY 02 | AMENITY Creating a cleaner, more attractive and inviting environment to enhance overall experience of the precinct and encourage positive use of public spaces. | ||||||
2.1 | Expand cleaning and maintenance services. | 2.1.1 Expand after-hours footpath and road sweeping, and increase resources for daytime cleaning and daily hot pressure washing of footpaths, infrastructure and other hard surfaces. | 2025/26 | Environment & Infrastructure | $350,000 | Operating initiative (bid unconfirmed) SRS |
2.1.2 Increase graffiti removal investment, targeting proactive inspections and hotspot areas. | 2025/26 | Environment & Infrastructure | $100,000 | Operating budget (increase in contract budget) SRS | ||
2.2 | Declutter footpaths to improve pedestrian flow and accessibility. | 2.2.1 Review Outdoor Dining program and update Footpath Trading regulations as part of Local Law review. | 2025 | Planning & Place | Incorporated in 1.2.1 | Operating bid New |
2.3 | Refurbish, replace and upgrade street infrastructure and furniture. | 2.3.1 Deliver key asset improvements, for example seating, bin enclosures, bike hoops, bollards, and signage. | 2025/26 | Environment & Infrastructure | $250,000 | Capital bid (unconfirmed) |
Initiative | Actions | Timeframe | Lead | Cost (est.) | Source | |
PRIORITY 03 | BUSINESS Strengthening the local economy by supporting businesses, driving economic activity, and positioning Chapel Street as a thriving commercial destination. | ||||||
3.1 | Expand business support | 3.1.1 Expand business concierge service to assist small businesses. | 2025/26 | Planning & Place | $100,000 | SRS |
3.2 | Promote Chapel Street as a key retail and hospitality destination | 3.2.1 Implement strategic communications and marketing to positively shape Chapel Street’s reputation. | 2025/26 | Planning & Place (CSPA or agency EOI) | $250,000 | SRS |
3.3 | Drive economic activity through activation initiatives. | 3.3.1 Cultural re-activation of Prahran Town Hall | 2025/26 | Community & Wellbeing | $10,000 | Operating budget (existing) |
3.3.2 Consolidation of library services at Prahran Town Hall | 2025 | Community & Wellbeing | $430,000 | Operating budget (existing) | ||
3.3.3 Increase activation at Prahran Square | 2025/26 | Community & Wellbeing | $100,000 | SRS | ||
Initiative | Actions | Timeframe | Lead | Cost (est.) | Source | |
PRIORITY 04 | COORDINATION Establishing clear leadership, sustainable funding, and effective stakeholder coordination to ensure long-term success. | ||||||
4.1 | Reallocate 2024-28 Chapel Street Special Rate Scheme Funds | Terminate the Chapel Street Precinct Association agreement. | April 2025 | Planning & Place | $15,000 | Existing SRS Admin budget |
Establish an internal management model to improve oversight. | Underway | Planning & Place | TBD | Adjust existing operating budget | ||
4.2 | Secure sustainable funding for precinct improvements | Explore Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program funding. | Underway | CFO | Nil | N/A |
Advocate for State and Federal funding to support precinct safety and infrastructure improvements, with a particular focus on CCTV. | 2025/26 | Advocacy | Various | Election commitments, grant funding | ||
4.3 | Strengthen collaborative committees to enhance coordination | Expand Neighbourhood Policing Local Safety Committee Terms of Reference. | 2025/26 | Community & Wellbeing | Nil | Operating Budget (existing) |
Establish Councillor representation in Neighbourhood Policing Local Safety Committee. | 2025/26 | Community & Wellbeing | Nil | Operating Budget (existing) | ||
Review the Liquor Forum and consider expanding funding | 2025/26 | Planning & Place | $30,000 | Operating Budget (existing) | ||
4.4 | Strengthen communications and public awareness | Develop and implement a communications plan to support this program of work, including harnessing media opportunities. | 2025/26 | Org Capability | $10,000 | Visual assets (photos, videos, increase in signage) |
Use Stonnington News and other channels to articulate Council’s role, partnerships, and jurisdiction in safety and precinct activation, and keep the community informed of ongoing initiatives and improvements | 2025/26 | Org Capability | BAU | As part of comms approach communicate on our services that support safety | ||
Council collects Special Rates from designated commercial businesses and landlords in the Chapel Street precinct, for the declared purpose of marketing, promotion, business development, and engagement to help increase visitation to the area.
Currently, these funds are collected by Council and redistributed to the Chapel Street Precinct Association to be spent in line with the declared purpose. Council is now proposing some changes to this approach, and is seeking your feedback on this significant proposal.
Importantly, Council has sought and received advice that confirms the proposed changes are consistent with the declared purpose of the scheme.
This consultation only refers to the Chapel Street Special Rate Scheme precinct highlighted in pink on the map below.
Key Dates
Wednesday 4 June 2025 10:00 am
Forum: Proposed Chapel Street Precinct Improvement Plan
You're invited!
Learn more and speak with Council representatives about the proposed changes:
Date: Wednesday, 4 June 2025
Time: 10:00 - 11:30am
Venue: Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran
Registration is essential: https://www.trybooking.com/DBNUZ
Wednesday 4 June 2025 06:00 pm
Forum: Proposed Chapel Street Precinct Improvement Plan
You're invited!
Learn more and speak with Council representatives about the proposed changes:
Date: Wednesday, 4 June 2025
Time: 6:00 - 7:30pm
Venue: Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran
Registration is essential: https://www.trybooking.com/DBNUZ
Privacy Statement
The personal information requested on this form is being collected by Council for the purpose of facilitating the community engagement process for the proposed Chapel Street Precinct Improvement Plan. The personal information will be used by Council for that primary purpose or directly related purposes.
For more information about how Council handles personal information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
