A Regenerated Heart
Strengthen central Footscray with more jobs, housing, improved feeling of safety, and securing it as the premier fresh food and dining destination of the West.
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Help shape Footscray’s future
Council is creating a plan for central Footscray. Before decisions are made, we want to hear from you.
We’ve drafted some ideas based on what the community has already told us - what people love and what could be better.
Footscray already has many strengths, including its diversity, culture and location, but there are also opportunities to improve things like:
- improving safety and getting around
- making the area more welcoming
- bringing more activity into the centre
- adding greenery and shade
These are not final - they're here to help you imagine what's possible.
Have your say
Council has been working with subject matter experts to help us understand what's possible in the Footscray. These studies have been distilled into the Opportunities Paper, and the ideas we're proposing.
You're invited to learn more and have your say - online, in person or by contacting the project team by phone or email. Feedback closes Sunday 28 June 2026.
The Opportunities
Shaped by what we’ve heard from the community in the past, we have identified eight ‘opportunities’ to make Footscray a better place into the future.
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Buzzing Streets for People
Transform the pedestrian experience of central Footscray by upgrading streets, providing alfresco dining opportunities and making sure new buildings allow sun into the streets.
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Creative and Cultural Place
Connect and foster Footscray’s creative and cultural community by delivering a landmark new performing arts venue, a world class library and activating the riverfront.
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Movement Meets Place
Ensure arrival into Footscray is welcoming, and safe and it is easy to move around in ways that are cleaner and sustainable.
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A Cooler and Greener City
Create more public spaces in key locations that are shaded and include nature for people to relax, gather and enjoy Footscray.
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Catalyst Developments
Transform under-used sites in central Footscray into places that attract people, improve public amenity and boost Footscray’s economy.
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An Employment Hotspot
Position Footscray as a magnet for jobs and business, building on its great transport links and local culture so it can become an employment hub in inner Melbourne.
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Quality Apartment Development
Deliver well designed apartment buildings that provide good quality homes and respect Footscray’s streets, open spaces and character.
Issues and Opportunities Paper
Read through the full document below, or download a copy from the document library.
What's happened so far?
The 2014 Footscray Structure Plan set out new rules and projects for the area. Since then, many have been delivered - including Footscray Wharf, Byron Plaza, and the upgraded Town Hall precinct.
The Victorian Government has also delivered (or is delivering) major projects like the new Footscray Hospital, Metro Tunnel, West Gate Tunnel, and upgrades to Route 82 trams.
In 2025, Council secured federal funding for ‘Creative West’ - a future library, theatre, and town park on the current Paisley Street site.
Hover over the timeline below to learn more about what's been happening.
The Challenges
Over the last year, Council has been working with experts in economics, planning, movement and place. This work has revealed the following challenges:
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Gaps in how people move around
The gaps in the walking, cycling and public transport network impact connectivity to and from Footscray town centre, making it harder for people to move around safely and efficiently.
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Economic divide between the core and periphery
There is a deepening divide between the central core, which has declined in population and is lagging economically, and the areas around edges which are growing and generally higher income.
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Residents are shopping elsewhere
Local shops in central Footscray are missing out on business from local residents who shop elsewhere for their regular shopping needs.
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Feelings of safety and discomfort in public space
Aged and poorly presented stores, large hoarded up sites and disconnected nodes of activity undermine the shopping experience and exploration of the centre. It affects feelings of safety and comfort in public spaces, discouraging visitation and results in depletion of economic activity.
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Urban heat, not enough shade and public spaces
Footscray is facing increasing heat alongside limited tree cover and green space. A lack of shade, seating, and greenery reduces comfort and discourages people from spending time in public areas, weakening both the social appeal and environmental resilience of the town centre.
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Lagging development and under-utilised land
Several major sites in Footscray’s central core remain vacant despite having approved planning permits, reducing local amenity and contributing to a perception of decreased safety in the streetscape.
What we've heard
We’ve listened to the Footscray community over time to understand what matters most. In 2022, we engaged on ‘Visioning Footscray’ and brought community leaders together for the ‘Future Footscray Forum’.
We’ve also considered feedback from surveys, the Council Plan, Budget, and other local projects, including Creative West in early 2026.
All of this input has helped shape this Opportunities Paper.
What you've told us you want
What Council is already doing
In 2025, Council adopted the Footscray CBD Place Plan in response to community safety concerns.
It sets out practical actions to make Footscray safer, more welcoming, and better for local businesses - building on earlier plans with a; focus on results now.
Council's 'Dream Big Footscray' revitalisation program is now implementing the CBD Place Plan. The objectives of the CBD Place Plan are to:
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Safety and amenity
Enhancing safety through improved place management, lighting, cleaning and maintenance.
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Community Participation and Inclusion
Helping local services, traders, and community work together, and creating spaces that support belonging and participation.
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Economic Development, Activation and Experience
Working with landlords, traders, and creatives to bring life back to empty shops, support new businesses, and create events and activity in streets and laneways.
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Public Realm
Upgrading streets and public spaces with improvements to lighting, footpaths, seating and greenery to create a more attractive and accessible environment.
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Partnerships and Coordination
Aligning work across Council, services, government and community to deliver coordinated actions and lasting outcomes.
What a structure plan can and can't do
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A structure plan can...
- Help shape how Footscray grows and changes over time
- Put State and Council plans into action locally
- Guide where homes, jobs, public spaces and infrastructure should be located
- Set a long-term vision and priorities for the area
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A structure plan can't...
- Decide whether growth happens or stop new housing
- Change State Government rules or housing targets
- Make decisions on specific developments or buildings
- Design individual buildings or infrastructure in detail
- Control what private landowners choose to do with their land
How to share your feedback
There are plenty of ways to share your ideas. You can complete the detailed survey at the bottom of this page, or:
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Vote for your favourite opportunities
Allocate points to the opportunities you want to see come to life!
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Share your ideas on a map
Share areas you love and want to protect, and your own ideas for improvement.
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Come to an event
We'll be hosting pop ups and attending events throughout May and June.
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Email or phone us
Share your thoughts with the Project Team, who can be contacted by:
- Phone: (03) 9688 0200
- Email: CD@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
TIS: 131 450
NRS: 133 677 or 1300 555 727
