Plans progress for Elsternwick Cultural Precinct

Plans for the Elsternwick Cultural Precinct are progressing, and the community is invited to share their feedback on the project.

Currently in design phase, the project will transform Selwyn St and surrounding areas into a vibrant public space, and is only a stone’s throw from the Elsternwick train station and the Elsternwick Village shopping precinct, incorporating bustling Glen Huntly Rd.

The project’s vision is to create an exciting new pedestrian plaza that connects the street’s cultural centres with widened footpaths, enhanced landscaping and trees, seating areas, and public art with sections of the street modified to reduce traffic.

The street is currently home to the Melbourne Holocaust Museum (formerly the Jewish Holocaust Centre), and will also include the multi-use cultural centre, the Jewish Arts Quarter.

The Jewish Arts Quarter will house the Jewish Museum of Australia, the Gandel Centre of Judaica, the Kadimah Jewish Cultural Centre and National Library, and the 4C Community Co-Lab.

Jewish Arts Quarter spokesperson Kylie Appel said the project was a unique opportunity to bring together great museum experiences, art, theatre, education, learning, music, food, shopping and new public spaces for the whole community.

“When the new civic spaces and street activations come to life, this will allow for an all-inclusive addition to the cultural tapestry of Melbourne,” she said.

“Like Lygon St and its thriving Italian community or Oakleigh’s precinct celebrating Greek culture, we anticipate providing many exciting opportunities to people of all ages.”

The Elsternwick Cultural Precinct will be supported by the longstanding cultural and entertainment offerings in Elsternwick Village including Classic Cinemas, cafes and restaurants, independent boutiques, bakeries, and a traditional Jewish cake shop.

Have your say on the Elsternwick Cultural Precinct

Glen Eira City Council has led various engagement activities with stakeholders and community members to develop several aspects of the precinct’s vision and concept plan.

To help guide the vision, the council is inviting the community to provide feedback on detailed concept plans such as materials and finishes, planting and public art.

The project is currently in design phase and once engagement closes, the council will review community feedback and consider it as part of the next stage of design development.

If you’d like to have your say, engagement will run until Sunday, June 12. To share your feedback, visit: haveyoursaygleneira.com.au/elsternwick