For many years now I have argued for a master plan for all our CoPP retail precincts that is both integrated and connected to each other. A plan would ensure proper greening, and a sophisticated amenity. More so has been the need for such a plan in Acland Street. Sadly, the last decade has been one of decline with a continuum of piecemeal attempts (call them “thought bubbles”) that instead of lifting the profile of the street has combined to make it increasingly an embarrassment.

In balance some of the decline was inevitable. The passing of so many of Acland streets small business owners from the post war diaspora – Jewish, Greek and Italians, who created the vibrant atmosphere at the time. And who brought a sense of what multiculture could be with wonderful foods and style often lacking in a what was a very simple monoculture that was old Australia. It was a time of broadening horizons cocooned in shared values.

The famous restaurants from Scheherazade, Black Rose, Harley Court Pastry, Spuntino, and Expresso Bar, Fairy Stork and in recent years Lau’s kitchen are all but a reminder of the salad days of yesteryear.

This was also a time where we had a butcher, baker, newsagent – all surviving quietly before the growing duopoly of two major supermarket chains concentrated shopping within their sphere.

Then came the ill-fated decision of closure of Acland st with a mall and light rail imposed by the Victorian Government, and this too destroyed the magic of the street. The hustle and bustle were no longer evident, and the passing traffic trickled away creating a downward cycle of economic decline. Simply put you cannot take away 51 carparks designed for quick convenience shopping, block the throughfare to traffic and expect prosperity to follow. Add an unnecessarily prolonged Covid19 lock down a few years later, and you can see clearly where we are today.

A deteriorating law and order situation accelerated by falling police resources also contributed. I remember when I was working in the CBD some 30 years ago. The red rattler, the timber window frames all down to get a breeze in the stifling afternoon heat with its final stop at the Fitzroy street junction. And it was always fun walking home chatting with the local prossies in Grey Street, who had a sense of humour and far less angst and desperation in their eyes than the sex workers of today. And that was the community of St Kilda and Acland Street then. A sense of belonging to a wider community. In my old apartment in Harley Court, we had artists, ballet dancers, known restaurateurs – interesting creatives that made St Kilda so special – and this was duplicated in so many of the apartment blocks cosying up to and on Acland Street. That strong vibrant artistic element has slipped with the decline of our retail hubs with Fitzroy and Collingwood now seen as the home of creatives. We know that creatives can put up with a lot including grunge, but they are not that receptive to the desolate wasteland that represents Acland St today.

And finally, there are the drugs and the rough sleepers. There was always this element in our ‘hood, but once again far softer than the harsh face of despair that we see today. The drugs were less potent and the homeless far better managed and, maybe back then, there was less of an obvious nexus between sex work, drug trade and homelessness. In those non-politically correct times, we called most of the homeless “Winos” because there were often flagons of cheap plonk nestled by them as their daily companion.

So here we are today, knowing that some thirty years ago Acland St was a top State drawcard, on every tourist brochure and now a shadow of its former self. We all accept that the past will not magically return and we should avoid over romanticising that St Kilda and Acland Street were nirvana back then. However, having said this, that is not an excuse for not trying to create a better Acland Street albeit different to the one a few decades ago – and that starts with a plan. As far as I am aware there is no master plan for Acland Street.

Every year we see some new edition to the street that has now accumulated into what looks more like the output of a cluttered mind. And here are some examples.

 

Cheap infrastructure galore

Recent additions include some upmarket “bunnings style” umbrellas, fake grass, cheap signage and painted metal water tanks as containers for plants. As I remarked recently to someone, “all that is missing is a Southern Cross windmill and some plastic merino sheep”. And why is St Kilda’s Acland Street the focal point on this bric-a-brac mentality?

We do not see this “dogs’ breakfast” in Albert Park or Middle Park shopping precincts. If Acland Street is the new testing ground for mediocrity, seaside slumming or a poor imitation of a side street in downtown Detroit, PLEASE JUST STOP!

Then we have these seating editions that came with the mall which appears to be popular only with those who are intoxicated. Heavy, cold, unusable; they belong in a public park, not a sophisticated mall.

Inappropriate waste of public space

Last year I was in the Hague, in the Neverlands and the outdoor spaces were terrific both in summer and in the winter where the retractable canvas awnings and pop-up tents along with portable heaters easily spread out into the pedestrian walkways. Council could initially use of the outdoor area by cafes, bars and restaurants. If we get more punters to these venues, all other businesses should experience improved turnover – the old saying “a rising tide lift all boats” is relevant along with the economic multiplier effect that drives local prosperity through increased patronage.  Just as growth naturally expands and builds on itself with upwards momentum, decline eats itself into further decline. So, while we can amuse ourselves with the recent thought bubble of “a music precinct,” the more complimentary and immediate focus should be on utilising the large mall space in Acland Street.

Social life in the Hague NL – One of many examples that could be emulated here.

I would further suggest a water feature at the end of Acland Street could be considered like the El Alamein memorial fountain in Kings Cross – a well-known iconic meeting spot in Sydney. But don’t hold your breath! – council cannot even repair the existing historic and important art deco fountain, located in O’Donnell gardens- even after enormous public support for restoration!

Getting the Street in Basic Order

An area that Council seems to shy away from is working with local retail shops to clean graffiti from their buildings in Acland Street.

Graffiti everywhere and where is our public pride?

How hard would it be (it has been suggested many times) to get an MOU with each of the retail owners in Acland Street to allow the Council to clean off graffiti on their facades without bureaucratic interface? The council could even strike a special rate with the business or premise owners as their contribution to a better trading environment and ambience. Its all possible if council was proactive. And why not subsidise business for graffiti cleaning – business already contribute much to council coffers with little in the way of return.

Another desirable change would be greater visibility on our streets with police and local laws officers. The public want to feel safe and shop in a clean environment that looks kept and well maintained and free of trouble.

Acland Street needs greater visibility of Local Laws officers and Police

Finally, what we need are business champions to push through a more nuanced and sophisticated rejuvenation of Acland Street under an agreed community-based plan. I remember the charm and dynamism of the late Donlevy Fitzpatrick who made his mark on St Kilda. A mark that will last beyond many lifetimes. I remember sitting on the steps of Harley Court with him in the early 90s. Every ounce of him exuded vision for both Fitzroy and Acland st with a can-do attitude, positive in outlook and with determination.

I see the great work of the owner of the Acland St Court, David Fried, with a fastidious attention to detail, amenity and diversity of quality offerings. We should ask and embrace his assistance. He has an enviable track record.

I see the rising star of Fitzroy Street, Mr Paul Dimattina, who is also putting his capital on the line to lift the St Kilda precinct. This is the type of business champion and advocate we need to assist in the charge for a better St Kilda and a better Acland Street. He certainly would lift the Fitzroy Traders Association out of its current malaise if he took on the job as president.

We also appear to have a tired Acland Street Village Business Association. Old stalwarts, long in the position, with the conclusion that they have a lost the mojo to push council for something far bolder than a “Stockholm Syndrome” where they play the docile “captive” to council officers.  As one Acland street business owner told me recently. “It’s [the Traders Association] become a tired old knitting circle.”

There are many possibilities for positive change, and we all know that we can have a better Acland Street – certainly better than it currently is. It all starts with a few fresh champions and a plan of action based on community consultation.