2025/2026 Vacant Shops Pilot Program
Council is trialling a vacant shop program in 2025 - 2026 to enhance the look and feel of Stonnington's commercial precincts and support local economic activity. The program will activate retail spaces with public artworks by prominent Melbourne artists, helping to create safer, more attractive and vibrant streets.
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Vacant shop program to revitalise Stonnington precincts
Council is running a free Vacant to Vibrant program in 2025/2026 aimed at transforming high visibility areas into vibrant destinations.
The initiative will activate vacant retail spaces with public artworks by prominent Melbourne artists, helping to create safer, more attractive streets and support local economic activity.
The first site participating in the program is 246 Glenferrie Road, Malvern, showcasing a striking installation by acclaimed Melbourne- based modernist abstract digital painter Phillipa Riddiford.
The next site will be in Windsor in collaboration with artist Tricky Walsh and local gallery, Mars Gallery. These art installations complement our broader public revitalisation initiatives, including along Chapel Street to enhance precinct amenity.
Expressions of Interest now open
Real estate agents and property owners are invited to nominate long-term vacant buildings within the City of Stonnington for inclusion in the program.