This consultation is closed. Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts.

Last year we asked your feedback on a range of issues and opportunities that could shape the future of Cremorne.

This project is a partnership with the Victorian Planning Authority and state government agencies.

It identifies planning, accessibility, public space and transport initiatives that will make Cremorne a great place to live, work and visit as well as thrive as an innovative and creative enterprise precinct.

What did we hear?

Thank you to everybody who participated. Just over 1,300 people visited the website, and 469 people participated directly in the engagement.

Read the full report or see below for a summary of what we heard.

For more information about the project and next steps visit vpa.vic.gov.au/project/cremorne/

Commercial zoning was recognised by community members as having helped pave the way to Cremorne’s success as a business precinct, by providing certainty for business growth and investment.

Improvement to internet speeds was highly supported.

The future role of the Bendigo Kangan Institute campus is identified as an important opportunity to community. They noted that the education provided can support technology industry skills development and align with businesses to support growth. They also see an opportunity for the campus to address the issue of workspace affordability and provide more public open space and community facilities.

The community has identified opportunities for underutilised government land to be repurposed and contribute improvements, particularly open space and amenity which supports Cremorne’s future.

A greener Cremorne is highly supported through a range of options including improved access to existing public space, more public space and public realm improvements, and through new developments.

The community wants more open space to cater for the needs of the growing community but accepts that space is limited and supports small and creative improvements to the public realm and open space. Some community members supported reducing car parking to create public space. However, it is recognised that parking space is a sensitive issue within the community that requires careful consideration.

Community wishes to participate in improvements to public spaces through local placemaking initiatives and encourages trialling potential improvements.

Community identified opportunities for development to contribute to public amenity and create public spaces. They recognised the need for a long term and strategic approach to development which considers sustainability, scale, design quality, overshadowing, and setbacks and building heights, and protects local heritage and character.

The vibrancy of having a mix of businesses and services throughout Cremorne was recognised as a key characteristic and strength of the area.

Improved access to public transport was identified as a high priority. Richmond and East Richmond Stations are key transport interchanges serving Cremorne. The upgrading of pedestrian links to Cremorne and public amenity around stations is supported.

Improving road safety was supported, including traffic calming measures and the trialling of reduced speed limits.

The street typologies set out in the Streets and Movement technical document was seen as a useful approach and practical. The community was eager for quick implementation.

The community is divided on the reduction in parking spaces, both on and off street. This remains a contentious issue in the community as it has trade-offs with the other opportunities identified, such as:

• providing open space in the condensed Cremorne environment by removing on-street parking spaces
• advocating for active movement and improvements to street amenity.

A great proportion of the community already use sustainable transport modes with walking being the highest modal choice. Promoting sustainable travel to manage the increasing travel demands was supported, with improvements for cyclist and pedestrians identified as a priority.

Travel by car is still high for a precinct with a high level of access to public transport, reflecting differing views on travel priorities. This suggests there is a need to understand more about people’s choice of transport.

The community has recognised that some big ideas are needed in addressing the access and movement issues in Cremorne.

A clear vision is needed for the precinct that guides its future growth and development and provides greater certainty to the community. Whilst participants expressed high levels of support for the 2007 vision statement for Cremorne, many saw the need for a vision to be much bolder and more innovative and visionary, as is the unique place that is Cremorne