We’re gathering feedback from this project, along with location-based data and advice from an expert consultant, to create a new webpage. This page will give potential businesses the information they need to open a shop on Bay Street. It will also help landlords and real estate agents find and attract the right tenants.

Your feedback will be compiled into a report which will outline what we heard from community members during this engagement period. We will also compile information and geospatial data and insights for a public webpage, to inform landlords and real estate agents and support potential businesses in Bay Street.

At this stage we are seeking feedback from current and potential users of Bay Street in Port Melbourne. We are not currently seeking feedback from businesses (including potential businesses).

Note we will do some in-person surveys on Bay Street during the engagement period in order to hear from those who might not be online.

Council provides support to businesses in a range of ways, including:

• Providing ongoing support to the Port Melbourne Business Association and administering its special rates scheme, to deliver initiatives and strategic plans that drive economic benefit for local businesses
• Supporting the Port Melbourne Music Crawl through Council’s Culture Development Fund grants program. This annual event is designed to increase visitation to local pubs and hotels.
• Delivering ‘look and feel’ improvements along Bay Street through the installation of branded banners and bin wraps.
• Facilitating two art projects that pay homage to Port Melbourne’s cultural history, encouraging community engagement and increased visitation to Bay Street.
• Regular destination marketing and communications to support local businesses and events, such as Council’s What’s On website.
• Offering a dedicated business concierge service to support, retain, and attract businesses by helping them navigate the business permit process.

Through street audits, Council is implementing a place-based roadmap to improve amenity which will make the precinct a better place for the community, including prospective businesses.

Council has completed a street audit of Bay Steet to inform future works priorities, outcomes, timeframes and budgets, including:

• Asset condition
• Cleanliness and beautification
• Activation of the space
• Parking

Council is seeking funding from the Victorian and Federal Governments to develop and implement a Station Pier/Waterfront Place Precinct Masterplan. Council’s vision is to transform the area into a vibrant and bustling precinct; the home of cruise shipping in Victoria and a place local residents can take pride in.

Refer to our Priority Projects Opportunities booklet for more information.

This project is one of several steps we are taking to help shape Bay Street, and we invite you to share your other suggestions for potential improvements to Bay Street by completing the online survey.