Council is committed to improving road safety in Yarra.

Based on expert traffic and urban design advice, and feedback from the community during the first stage of consultation, we have developed three concept options to improve safety and functionality of the shared zone on Rose Street, Fitzroy.

The concept options explore different traffic arrangements and approaches to the layout of the street. We’re planning to keep the much-loved road surface mural as part of the final design, helping to preserve the unique character and identity of the street.

Now it's over to you to tell us what you think of the three options, what streetscape features are important to you, and if you have any additional feedback.

Why we're doing it

We want to create an accessible, safer, and more functional Rose Street while balancing the needs of the community.

Temporary infrastructure was installed in Rose Street in 2021 as part of a trial. Council is now developing designs for permanent infrastructure to support the shared zone on Rose Street.

The first stage of consultation showed that people have concerns about safety and moving around easily within the shared zone. Community feedback also highlighted a need for clearer street design and better traffic management to make the area safer and work better.

Each concept option has been developed to improve safety outcomes and conditions for all road users.

Any changes to traffic conditions would require approval by the State Government Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) following a Council decision.

The three concept options for Rose Street:

DTP support and important considerations

DTP has provided an initial indication of support for each of the concept options.

Community feedback will help inform next steps and decision making, including streetscape improvements. The final selection and extent of streetscaping improvements will be decided by Council based on what's possible. We appreciate that some of the ideas we are presenting could change how you access Rose Street and may result in slightly longer journey times when you drive. These ideas could provide relative safety benefits to the street and improve the function of the shared zone; however no decision has been made.

Rose Street, artist impressions and existing street views

The following artist impressions and existing street views help to visualise how Rose Street could look as part of a permanent shared zone.

The artist impressions for view A, B and C relate to different sections of the area in Rose Street:

• View A shows the section of Rose Street between Nicholson and Spring Street
• View B shows the section of Rose Street that is outside Rose Street Artists' Market
• View C shows the section of Rose Street that is outside The Fitzroy Mills

The artist impressions show potential changes to the street layout, the shared zone and footpath areas. The coloured surface patterns (pink and white polka dots) are intended to show the shared zone and footpath areas, they do not represent artwork or a colour scheme. The designs are not final and are subject to change.

The set of artist impressions would be very similar for all three concept options with differences based on factors such as traffic direction, parking spaces and footpath extensions, which varies in each concept option. This detail can be viewed in each of the concept option plans.

Rose Street (between Nicholson and Spring Street), view A

Rose Street (outside Rose Street Artists' Market), view B

Rose Street (outside The Fitzroy Mills), view C

Rose Street and the shared zone section:

The map below shows the area of the Road Safety Study and looks at possible changes to Rose Street in Fitzroy (between Nicholson Street and Brunswick Street). These changes will also consider how traffic in the surrounding streets might be affected. However, no changes to traffic restrictions on other streets are being considered at this time.

Share your feedback in person

Join us at one of our in-person sessions outside The Rose Street Artists' Market. You can speak to Council Officers, ask questions about the concept options and share your feedback.

Accessibility:

• If you need an interpreter to participate call 03 9280 1940 or email [email protected]
• If you need an Auslan interpreter, contact the National Relay Service on 133 677 then call 03 9205 5555 or email [email protected]
• If you have any other accessibility requirements, call 03 9205 5555 or email [email protected]
• Rose Street is accessible with step-free access

Stage 1 engagement in October and November 2025

Thanks to everyone who took part in the first stage of consultation on road safety and the shared zone in Rose Street, Fitzroy. The first stage of consultation highlighted community concerns about safety and moving around easily within the shared zone. These concerns were identified through community feedback and analysis by expert traffic consultants.

Who did we hear from?

There were 231 visitors to the Your Say Yarra page, and 63 survey participants.

Over 69% (44) indicated that they were local residents who lived on or near Rose Street, Fitzroy.

What did we hear?

8 themes were identified as part of the first stage of consultation:

We heard that community wanted Council to focus on the following areas:

These themes have informed the development of the three concept options. For further details about the first stage of consultation and Officer responses, refer to the engagement report below.