After more than three years of advocacy by me to Council I can announce safety improvements for pedestrians are about to be implemented in Queens Lane. The City of Port Phillip has announced upcoming works to improve pedestrian safety at two key intersections along Queens Lane — Arthur Street and Leopold Street. Whilst much more work needs to be done in our Ward this is a positive step in recognising the impacts of significant development works in the Queens Lane precinct. My focus remains on improving the amenity in Lakeside, establishing community meeting hubs possibly satellite libraries, enlarging existing – and establishing new –  green spaces, and more. On the horizon is a Queens Lane Farmers Market which is working its way through the Council approval procedures.

The changes were recommended in the course of traffic and parking assessments and a review by Council’s Transport Safety team, which identified that the current intersection layouts make it difficult for pedestrians to see oncoming vehicles.

To address these issues while coordinating with ongoing construction in the precinct, Council will deliver improvements in two stages. The first stage focuses on quick, interim safety upgrades.

Stage 1: Interim Safety Works (May–June 2026)

Temporary kerb buildouts and parking changes will be installed to improve visibility and reduce risk for people crossing the road.

Arthur Street & Queens Lane

• Temporary kerb buildouts to improve sightlines for pedestrians.
• Parking reconfiguration:
  • Seven angled bays outside The Porter Club Hotel (452 St Kilda Road) will become five parallel bays.
• Net change: Loss of two parking spaces.

Leopold Street & Queens Lane

• Temporary kerb buildouts to support safer pedestrian crossings.
• Parking reconfiguration:
  • Queens Lane → Queens Road: Five angled bays converted to three parallel bays (loss of two spaces).
  • Queens Lane → St Kilda Road: Eight angled bays converted to four parallel bays (loss of four spaces).
• Net change: Loss of two parking spaces.

Construction for these interim works is expected to take place between May and June 2026.

Stage 2: Permanent Infrastructure (November 2027 – January 2028)

Once nearby developments are complete and heavy construction traffic has reduced, Council will replace the temporary treatments with permanent concrete kerb extensions and landscaping.

This staged approach ensures:

• Permanent infrastructure isn’t damaged by ongoing construction activity
• Works can be delivered more efficiently
• Long-term safety and amenity improvements are protected

What Stage 2 Will Deliver

• Permanent kerb extensions at both intersections
• Improved pedestrian visibility and safer crossing points
• Landscaping to enhance the look and feel of the precinct
• Retention of the parking reconfigurations introduced in Stage 1