St Kilda Road has long been a symbol of transformation, evolving from a boulevard lined with grand Victorian mansions to a bustling commercial hub and a vibrant residential corridor. This iconic road has continually adapted alongside Melbourne’s growth, a transformation captured by artists like Clarice Beckett in her painting Evening, St Kilda Road, which highlights the boulevard’s unique blend of heritage and modernity.
Today, as more people call St Kilda or Queens Road home and gleaming new developments rise, the local community is asking for more support and presence from Port Phillip Council. Residents and businesses I’ve spoken to have frequently raised concerns about the lack of visible council services, beyond street signage. Establishing a St Kilda Road Library and Community Hub would be a forward-thinking response to the area’s continued rapid growth and a direct answer to the community’s calls for enhanced services and spaces to connect.
Modern libraries, such as the newly developed narrm ngarrgu Library in the City of Melbourne, show what is possible. These libraries are not just places to borrow books – they offer flexible spaces for learning, co-working, creative arts, community events, and maternal health and child health services, reflecting the diverse needs of a modern urban population.
Depending on the desired budget, Port Phillip could utilise one of many vacant office spaces to establish a modest community facility or a state-of-the-art hub tailored to serve the evolving needs of our residents. With the completion of Anzac Station set to bring even more people to the area, we have a unique opportunity to capitalise on this momentum and create a truly interconnected centre point.
As reported in TWiSK, Lakeside receives the least council investment of any Port Phillip Council ward. This proposal would help to remedy this underinvestment, offering programs and services that create meaningful connections and make local government more accessible and responsive to residents.
While this initiative focuses on St Kilda Road, it’s just one part of my broader plan to enhance community spaces and support across Lakeside Ward. With rapid changes happening around St Kilda Road, we have a limited window to act. By investing in a library and community hub now, we can ensure that this boulevard remains a place where people connect and gather.
Barney Moore is a proud resident of Lakeside Ward and Labor Candidate in the October Port Phillip Council election.
