Have Your Say on Hamilton's CBD Revitalisation

Published on 31 January 2025

Have Your Say on Hamilton’s CBD Revitalisation 

Southern Grampians Shire Council is excited to invite the community to help shape the future of Hamilton’s CBD as part of a major streetscape revitalisation project. The Hamilton CBD Revitalisation Project will focus on the CBD streetscape between Kennedy and Cox; and French and Lonsdale Streets. This project, which will be completed in three stages, aims to create a more vibrant, welcoming and accessible town centre and will explore options to improve public spaces, introduce more public art and signage, parking, and improved trees and landscaping. 

Council is now seeking feedback on concept plans for the first stage of the project, Gray Street between Brown and Thompson Streets, including the roundabouts.  

In this stage, the current central zebra crossing is proposed to be retained and raised, with the existing central widened footpath area to be lengthen. Feature trees, new garden beds, public art and new street furniture are proposed in this area to provide a vibrant central activity zone. The two other existing informal narrow road crossings are proposed to be removed. The existing red brick footpath paving is to be removed and replaced with stone paving laid on a reinforced concrete slab. 

The Commonwealth Bank forecourt will be revamped with new street furniture, landscaping and new public art installation and the Thompson Street and Brown Street roundabouts will also see improvements, with refreshed garden beds and new street furniture.  

The current London Plane trees throughout the CBD are causing issues and risks for Council due to dropping leaves, allergens and invasive roots extending well beyond other species and into private properties and drainage systems. For these reasons, they are proposed to be removed as part of the project as each package is reconstructed and replaced with a more suitable, semi-mature species. 

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin is eager to see the transformation take shape. 

“The Hamilton CBD is long overdue for an upgrade. We are keeping community at the front of mind throughout this process. We want to create a space that’s beautiful, functional, and welcoming for everyone.  

“These plans have been developed following previous consultation with the community and we’re now seeking your feedback on what’s proposed. I encourage everyone to get involved in this consultation process so we can make sure we get it right,” concluded Cr. Heslin. 

A pop-up consultation space will be open at 107 Gray Street in Hamilton from Wednesday 5 February to Friday 7 February 10-7pm and Saturday 8 February 9-12pm, where residents can drop in and chat with Council staff. Feedback can also be provided online until Monday 17 February at Hamilton CBD Streetscape Revitalisation | Engage Southern Grampians.  

There will also be a dedicated business session at Hamilton Cinema on Tuesday 4 February from 6.00 to 7.30pm to discuss the project with local traders and the long-term benefits for our shopping district. 

For further information about this project, please visit our website or give us a call at (03) 5573 0444. You can stay up to date with Council news and projects by subscribing to our monthly newsletter.