Melton High Street business owners are calling for more parking spaces as Melton council undertakes consultation for a street revitalisation project.
Melton council is planning streetscape improvements to sections of High Street as part of the Melton Town Centre Revitalisation Project.
According to the council, the upgrades would create welcoming spaces near existing food and retail outlets, where residents and visitors can spend time enjoying what the precinct has to offer.
Pad Thai Take Away and Restaurant business manager Teresa Butcher said that there is a consistent lack of parking for customers which she believes has led to reduced clientele for businesses.
She said that during the consultation process, proposed plans presented to business owners for feedback have included a reduction in parking to make way for other infrastructure – and the removal of loading bays from Pho Delight and her business.
In a letter sent to Melton council, penned by Ms Butcher and signed by other business owners, it said that a “lack of adequate parking spaces out the front of the shops is most important”.
Other suggestions in the letter included a revamped footpath, pruning of trees, removal of bluestone rocks – which Ms Butcher said were “tripping hazards”.
The letter stated business owners fear more outdoor tables and chairs will promote loitering or criminal activity.
“They ( council staff) interviewed all the shop owners and business owners while at their busiest time at 1pm … and then they turned around and said ‘we’ve consulted you’,” Ms Butcher said.
She said that the council “have come to the table with a positive offer” and she plans to present this to other business owners one day this week.
Melton acting director of city futures Travis Conway said council staff visited traders at pre-arranged times over the past six months to seek feedback on the concept plans.
“The plans are still being refined, and we will continue to engage with traders on all aspects of the design including car parking and access requirements,” Mr Conway said.
“Council will also be seeking feedback from the wider community on the proposal in the coming months. Works are expected to commence on the project early to mid-2026, with expected completion in early 2027.”
