FAQs

Why is Council keeping the 90-degree parking bays? Were other options considered?

Council looked at alternative parking layouts, including angled and parallel parking. As part of this process, an independent Road Safety Audit was carried out to assess these options. The audit found that angled parking would present a high safety risk due to the existing traffic volumes and site conditions.

Based on this expert advice, Council decided to retain the current 90-degree parking layout. Feedback from local traders and the community also indicated strong concern about any potential loss of parking spaces, which further supported this decision.

Instead, improvements will be made to the existing layout by widening the parking bays while maintaining the same number of spaces. These changes will make it easier for drivers to manoeuvre and improve visibility when entering and exiting the car park.

A small adjustment will also be made near the barber shop, where the kerb will be realigned to allow for the wider parking spaces and improved sightlines for reversing vehicles.

In addition, vegetation in the garden beds will be maintained to ensure clear visibility and improve safety for all car park users.

Will the proposed improvements reduce the number of parking spaces on Warrigal Road?

No, the improvements will not reduce the number of parking spaces. There are currently 11 spaces, and all 11 will be retained.

Parking bays will be widened without reducing the total number of spaces, making it easier for drivers to manoeuvre and improving visibility when entering and exiting the car park.

Due to the size and layout of the area, it is not possible to add any additional parking spaces. However, the existing spaces will be improved as part of the upgrade.

Will there be any changes to parking restrictions along the strip as part of the improvements?

Council is currently reviewing parking restrictions in the area to ensure they meet the needs of both the community and local traders.

All feedback received during consultation will be considered as part of this review and will help inform any proposed changes.

How will new parking restrictions be enforced once they are introduced? 

Once the improvements are completed and any new parking restrictions are in place, Council will continue to monitor the area and enforce compliance with these restrictions.

If any parking issues arise after the project is finished, residents and visitors can report concerns to Council at info@kingston.vic.gov.au for follow-up.

Will Council install wheel stops in the parking bays on Nepean Highway as part of the works?

No, Council will not be installing wheel stops. While they can help position vehicles, they may also create issues such as tripping hazards, build-up of litter, and drainage problems (ponding).

Instead, new planter boxes will be installed along the strip. These features, along with the barrier kerb will prevent drivers from overhanging the footpaths  and provide a physical barrier between parked cars and the shopfronts, improving safety and the overall look and feel of the area.

Can visibility at the southern end be improved for pedestrian safety (e.g. for prams, cyclists, or runners)?

Yes. Improvements will be made to enhance safety and visibility in this area. The southern end of the strip will be slightly widened, and the existing bin will be relocated to the northern end.

These changes will help improve sightlines and make it easier for pedestrians, including those with prams, to see and move safely around the corner.

Would Council consider installing a cycle lane on Warrigal Road?  

Warrigal Road is managed by the Department of Transport and Planning, so any cycle lane would require their approval.

A cycle lane is outside the scope of this project and is therefore not included in the upgrade works.  Any future proposal would need to be considered separately and approved by the Department.

Would Council consider installing another pedestrian crossing on Warrigal Road?

Warrigal Road is managed by the Department of Transport and Planning, so any new crossing would require their approval.

A new pedestrian crossing is outside the scope of this project and is therefore not included in the upgrade works.  Any future proposal would need to be considered separately and approved by the Department.

Existing crossings are located at Centre Dandenong Road and Oak Avenue.

Will the entrance from Allnutt Court be wheelchair/walker friendly with a pram ramp on both sides? 

A new accessible (DDA-compliant) pram crossing will be installed on the south side of Allnut Court, near the pizza shop and next to the new accessible parking bay further east.

An existing pram crossing is already available on the northern side of Allnut Court, providing additional access across the street.

Why is the proposed accessible parking bay in Allnut Court and not in front of the shops?  

An accessible parking space has been provided in Allnut Court because there is not enough room to safely install one directly in front of the shops. Providing an accessible bay in front of the shops would require the use of two standard parking spaces, reducing the overall number of spaces available.

We have received strong feedback from local traders and the community opposing any loss of parking along Warrigal Road. To balance accessibility needs with maintaining existing parking, the accessible bay has been placed in Allnut Court instead.

The bay will be clearly marked with line markings, signage, and a pram ramp, making it easy to identify and access. 

Is it the responsibility of shops or Council to provide ramp access instead of steps into their premises?

Businesses are generally responsible for ensuring their premises are accessible, including providing ramps and removing barriers such as steps or obstructions, in line with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA).

Council is responsible for public areas like footpaths and crossings, while access within private property (such as shop entrances) is the responsibility of the property owner or tenant.

Concerns about accessibility can be raised with the business directly or with Council for guidance.

What impact will the new accessible parking bay have on parking in Allnut Court?

The new accessible parking bay is wider than a standard parking space. To ensure there is enough room for vehicles to pass safely, parking will be restricted on the opposite side of Allnut Court.

Three standard parking spaces will be line-marked behind the accessible bay to maintain parking availability in the area. These changes are designed to balance accessibility requirements with safe vehicle movement and parking.

Will a right turn from Allnut Court onto Warrigal Road be banned? Will a ‘Keep Clear’ zone be considered?

Any changes to turning movements or road markings on Warrigal Road would require approval from the Department of Transport and Planning, as they manage this road.  

Has Council considered installing additional seating, such as near the kebab shop?

Council is proposing to replace the existing older seat in front of the pizza shop with a new one. New planter boxes will also be installed to add greenery and create a physical barrier between the shopfronts and vehicles entering and exiting the car park.

Council will also ensure there is enough space available for businesses that may wish to introduce outdoor dining in the future.

Has Council considered installing a picnic table instead of a seat in front of the pizza shop?

Council is planning to replace the existing aged seat in front of the pizza shop. A picnic table has not been proposed due to limited space in the area.

Maintaining clear space is important to allow for safe pedestrian movement and to support potential future outdoor dining for nearby businesses.

What colour will the new planters be?

The new planters will be finished in Egyptian Teal.

Council carefully considered a range of colour options and selected this tone as the preferred choice for the strip. Each shopping area in Kingston has its own colour theme, and this shade was chosen to add visual interest without being too bold or overwhelming. It also complements the surrounding greenery and helps create a cohesive and attractive streetscape.

What material will the new seating be made from?

The replacement seat (Fulcrum) will comprise hardwood timber slats and the frame is made from 100% recycled aluminium. This seat style has proven to be durable, easy to maintain and can be found at many shopping centres around Kingston.

Are bicycle racks included as part of the project? If so, where will they be located?

Yes. The existing bicycle rack will be relocated to Allnut Court (near the pram crossing in front of the pizza shop) to improve accessibility and convenience.

After the project is completed, Council will monitor demand and consider installing additional bicycle racks if needed.

How many bins will be provided as part of the improvements?

Council will be installing two new bins, which will be installed after the works are completed.  Proposed locations are in front of Victoria Cellars and near Allnut Court.  

Final bin location/s will be re-confirmed with traders at project completion.

Can Council influence the types of businesses that open in the strip, such as a family-friendly café?

Council understands the desire for more family-friendly options in the area as the local community grows. However, Council does not control which types of businesses choose to operate in the strip, provided they meet the relevant planning and zoning requirements.

Council will continue to share community feedback and interest with local businesses where appropriate.

Some businesses are currently exploring outdoor dining opportunities, particularly over the warmer months. Council can support interested businesses through this process, which may help create a more family-friendly and vibrant atmosphere along the strip.

Can Council consider features that create a stronger village atmosphere, such as outdoor dining areas, additional shade trees, decorative lighting and public art that reflects the character of the local community?

Council aims to create a welcoming and vibrant shopping strip that reflects the local community.

Outdoor dining is led by individual businesses, with Council providing guidance and support through the application process. As part of the upgrade, careful consideration is being given to the placement of street furniture to ensure there is enough space for businesses that may wish to offer outdoor dining in the future.

Council values community feedback and ideas to enhance the area. However, additional features such as decorative lighting and public art are subject to available funding and site constraints. These may be considered as part of future projects.

Can Council place more emphasis on trees and green spaces? 

Yes. The existing tree along Warrigal Road will be retained, with only minor vegetation removal required for kerb realignment.

Additional landscaping and new planter boxes will be introduced to increase greenery and enhance the streetscape, with final locations and details to be confirmed during the detailed design phase.

Will the new planters be maintained?

Yes. Council’s horticulture team has been involved with the project and has selected an appropriate planter design and plant species based on the site conditions.

The horticulture team is also responsible for the planting and ongoing maintenance to ensure the planters continue to look well-kept and healthy over time.

If you notice any issues with the plants in the future, you can contact Council at info@kingston.vic.gov.au.

Will the existing trees be replaced?

Council is aware of community interest in improving greenery.  However, the current tree on Warrigal Road is in good condition and not planned for removal as part of this project.

Where possible, Council focuses on maintaining healthy, established trees, as they provide important environmental and streetscape benefits. Opportunities for additional tree planting will be considered separately, in line with project scope and site conditions.

Will additional seating encourage loitering or anti-social behaviour in the area?

Council is aware of concerns about loitering and anti-social behaviour along the strip and is actively working to address these issues.

This includes supporting local traders, working with Victoria Police, engaging with community groups, and exploring options such as an alcohol-free area if appropriate.

Seating is an important part of creating a welcoming and inclusive public space for everyone. Council will continue to monitor the area and respond to any concerns to ensure the strip remains safe and comfortable for all members of the community.

Will there be any public art as part of the improvements?

Council supports opportunities for public art; however, any artwork would need to be considered as part of available project funding.

If there is strong community interest in public art, Council can explore opportunities in partnership with local artists and property owners as part of future projects.

What colour and style will the new footpath be?

The new footpath will be constructed using Council’s standard concrete finish for shopping areas. When first poured, the concrete may appear quite dark, but it will lighten as it cures to a natural grey colour.

The footpath will feature a pattern of   600 mm x 600 mm concrete squares, saw-cut joints, which is consistent with Council’s standard treatment for shopping precincts.

The finished look will be similar to other nearby shopping strip areas, such as Mentone Parade in Mentone, Follett Road in Cheltenham, Charman Road in Cheltenham, Cavanagh Street in Cheltenham and Nepean Highway in Edithvale.