Walker Street works

WALKER Street businesses will receive a makeover in a bid by VicUrban to make Dandenong’s urban streetscapes more attractive.
VicUrban said that Walker Street, between Lonsdale and McCrae streets, was an important pedestrian link, leading people from Palm Plaza to the Drum Theatre.
To date, upgrades to the streetscape include pavement repairs, the painting of street furniture and minor landscaping.
VicUrban development director Michael King said there was a need to support local traders and provide them with the skills to survive and thrive in an evolving and competitive retail environment.
He said the central Dandenong’s revitalisation project went beyond building new roads and buildings.
“In the coming years we’ll see more residents, workers, shoppers and visitors to the area and it’s important we all prepare to make the most of that growth,” he said.
The City of Greater Dandenong’s Place Manager Jenny Pemberton-Webb is leading the project together with visual merchandising expert and project consultant Mia Rappel.
“Getting the right professional expertise and an injection of creativity will help traders to fully explore how people experience their shop window from the street,” Ms Pemberton-Webb said.
“This project is about giving retailers the skills and confidence to experiment with their shop presentation and catch the attention of passersby.”
Mr King said that later this year VicUrban and the council would introduce a signage project for central Dandenong retailers.