Melbourne Street Revitalisation
Project status
Short-term improvement works nearing completion
Stage 1 construction in 2026
Stage 2 concept design currently in development
Why are we doing this?
The City of Adelaide has identified the Melbourne Street Revitalisation Project as part of its Main Streets Revitalisation Program.
Melbourne Street serves as an important northern gateway to the city and is a distinctive main street within North Adelaide, celebrated for its mix of hospitality venues, boutique shops, medical services, and heritage character.
The Melbourne Street Revitalisation Project has been allocated $6.5 million in new and upgrade funding, supported by additional renewal budgets and external funding from the Government of South Australia.
The aim of the project is to strengthen Melbourne Street’s identity as a vibrant destination and create an attractive environment that supports local businesses, residents, and visitors.
About the project
Located in North Adelaide, Melbourne Street has long been valued for its diverse mix of cafés, restaurants, specialist medical practices, and boutique retailers. However, in recent years the street has faced challenges, including aging infrastructure, limited pedestrian space, and business turnover.
The revitalisation project will deliver targeted improvements that reflect the community’s vision for Melbourne Street as an appealing destination of choice - known for its polish, artisan experiences, and vibrant dining culture to the east, complemented by professional and specialist services to the west.
Community input gathered through the 2022 consultation helped shape the Melbourne Street Master Plan. This plan identifies community priorities for the street as:
- Create a unique brand and identity
- Curate the business and commercial mix
- Refresh the public realm
- Accessibility
- Introduce more vibrancy and creative connections
What are we doing?
Implementation of the master plan is occurring in stages.
Short-term activation improvement works on Melbourne Street
Following the establishment of the master plan in 2022, the Government of South Australia supported the City of Adelaide with a $1m grant funding which focused on enhancing and activating the street. Works include:
- Rationalisation of street furniture - completed
- Temporary footpath extension - completed
- Entry Statement Banner Brackets - completed
- Festoon lights (co-funded by City of Adelaide) - completed
- Suspended planter boxes - completed
- Dunn St car park sign – in progress
For further details, please visit the Melbourne Street Improvement Works page.
Stage 1 wombat crossings
To kick-start capital improvement works, the Government of South Australia, through the National Road Safety Program, has provided a $600,000 contribution for the construction of wombat crossings at both the eastern and western ends of Melbourne Street.
The City of Adelaide is finalising contractor procurement, with construction scheduled for completion in 2026.
Stage 2 capital works
Stage 2 will deliver broader streetscape upgrades aligned with asset renewal priorities and the actions identified in the master plan.
Concept design development is now underway, ensuring proposals reflect community expectations and available budget parameters.
When are we doing it?
- Late 2025: Short-term activation works near completion
- Early 2026: Stage 1 construction of wombat crossings begins
- Early 2026: Council review and endorsement of Stage 2 concept design
- Early 2026: Community engagement on proposed improvements
- Mid–Late 2026: Design development
- 2027–28: Procurement and staged construction to minimise disruption
Community engagement has been central to the Melbourne Street Revitalisation Project. The 2022 engagement process shaped the project’s design principles and master plan.
Additional feedback gathered through the temporary footpath extensions and wombat crossings is now being reviewed to help refine the Stage 2 concept design.
Once concept designs are finalised, the community will again be invited to provide feedback.
Visit Our Adelaide to give your feedback once consultation opens.