The shopping strip along Hotham Street, Cranbourne has been revitalised with lively street art and landscape additions to improve its connection to community and local business.
Earlier this year, the City of Casey engaged various business groups and community members to understand the works required to bring new life to the shopping strip to encourage greater foot traffic and increase the potential for future economic activity.
The revival project saw sections of Hotham Street between Loch Street and Latrobe Street undergo streetscape design upgrades including public art installation, landscaping and additional shaded seating for socialising.
In conjunction with Council, local artist Abbey Rich was appointed to design the space, drawing inspiration from the rich and vibrant aesthetics of South Asian culture. “The warm and bright colour palette chosen for the pavement artworks and the furniture is designed to appeal to the whole community but particularly kids” Abbey says. “We are hoping that this creates a fun and safe space for everyone to gather and enjoy”.
The majority of works were completed last month and officially unveiled at a launch event on Wednesday 22 November.
The City of Casey’s Chair of Administrators, Noelene Duff said the vibrant street art had added an eye-catching burst of colour in the heart of one of Cranbourne’s active shopping strips.
“Not only have these works transformed the entire look, feel and functionality of the shopping strip, they have most importantly created greater access for pedestrians and unlocked the potential for future economic benefits,” Ms Duff said.
“We are pleased to have worked alongside the State Government to deliver this exciting project and look forward to seeing how our community utilises the vibrant space as we come into the warmer months.”
The $180,000 upgrade project was supported with an equal investment of $90,000 each from the City of Casey and the Victorian Government through the Living Local Suburban Grants Program.