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Melbourne's Victoria Street Navigates Decline and Pursues Revitalization Amid Economic, Social Shifts

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Victoria Street, Melbourne: Decline and Revitalization Efforts

Victoria Street in Melbourne, historically recognized as "Little Saigon" or "Little Vietnam," is experiencing a period of decline characterized by significant shop vacancies and evolving social dynamics. Businesses report a notable decrease in customer traffic and an increase in visible neglect.

Current State and Contributing Factors

A report by consultants Colliers indicates that 22.4 percent of retail spaces on Victoria Street, which delineates Richmond and Abbotsford, are vacant. Business owners have observed widespread "for lease" and "free rental" signage, noting the street's reduced activity, particularly in the evenings.

Factors cited for this decline include:

  • Public Safety Concerns: Perceptions of unsafety have been reported by business owners, particularly near the intersection of Victoria and Lennox streets, which is in close proximity to the Medically Supervised Injecting Room (MSIR).
  • Drug Use Statistics: The Yarra City Council area recorded 173 heroin-involved overdose deaths in the decade leading up to 2024, the highest figure in Victoria according to Coroners Court of Victoria data.
  • Demographic Shifts: Changes in the local population, including the relocation of segments of the Vietnamese community, have impacted the street's character.
  • Economic Pressures: Broader economic conditions have affected business viability.
  • Changing Consumer Preferences: Evolving consumer tastes have contributed to shifts in demand for goods and services.
  • Business Adaptation: Some local businesses have been slow to adopt contemporary practices, such as leveraging social media for engagement.
  • Gentrification: The gentrification of surrounding areas is also cited as influencing the street's identity.

The Medically Supervised Injecting Room (MSIR)

The MSIR, located at North Richmond Community Health's premises on Lennox Street, commenced as a trial in 2018. Since its establishment, the facility has managed over 11,000 overdoses and is credited with saving a minimum of 63 lives.

North Richmond Community Health CEO Simone Heald stated that the MSIR was established in response to existing drug trade and overdose incidents in the Richmond area. The facility has recorded 600,000 visits since 2018, administered 2,500 bloodborne virus tests, and assisted nearly 400 individuals in commencing treatment for Hepatitis C. The Victorian government has affirmed its commitment to the MSIR's current location, describing it as a critical service and noting investments in cameras, police coordination, and outreach services to enhance safety and amenity in the surrounding area.

Revitalization Initiatives and Proposals

Efforts and proposals for Victoria Street's revitalization are underway:

  • Yarra City Council Project: The Yarra City Council has initiated a multi-year revitalization project for Victoria Street, allocating $900,000 for the current financial year. Objectives include making the street "greener, more attractive, and safer." Initial efforts encompass graffiti removal and garden bed renewals.
  • State Government Funding: An additional $250,000 in state government funding has been secured to enhance the area's vibrancy.
  • Business Association Insights: Andrew Phu, a member of the Victoria Street Business Association, suggests the street requires a new identity that includes a diverse mix of cuisines and business types, moving beyond its traditional focus on Vietnamese restaurants. Ha Nguyen, the association's president, supports a readjustment of industries.
  • Development Proposals: Suggestions include encouraging increased residential development, such as apartments, to align with the state government's Plan for Victoria target of 44,000 new dwellings in the Yarra municipality by 2051.
  • Community-Led Ideas: Other proposals presented at community forums include focusing on arts and artists, establishing more cooking schools and start-up hubs, and creating pedestrian-only sections of the street.
  • Individual Business Efforts: Furniture designer John Morgan, who operates a mid-century furniture shop on the street, has reported success in improving his shopfront's appearance by removing security shutters, resulting in no graffiti for three years. He advocates for businesses to take pride in their facades.
  • Local Resident Actions: Residents Alan and Yvonne Perkins have cultivated a small garden outside their home to foster community pride and deter rubbish dumping, observing positive social connections as a result.

Future Outlook

Yarra City Council Mayor Stephen Jolly has outlined the council's goal to achieve successful businesses, retain public housing tenants and the Vietnamese community, and enhance safety for all residents and potential new businesses on Victoria Street. Stakeholders, including restaurant owners Christopher Nguyen and Hung Vo, emphasize the necessity of adapting to contemporary conditions and embracing a forward-looking approach to revitalization, while acknowledging the street's historical and cultural roots.