Lygon Street Faces Transition After Drawing 700,000 Visitors in a Weekend
Lygon Street, a vibrant hub in Carlton, Melbourne, is undergoing significant changes following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Once a bustling destination known for its foot traffic, it now faces challenges in attracting visitors.
Lygon Street’s Traffic Decline
Historically, Lygon Street attracted huge crowds, particularly during its famous festa. In its prime, over 700,000 visitors flocked to the street during the Lygon Street Festa in the early 1980s. Comparison to recent events, however, shows stark differences. In 2024, the same area only saw around 100,000 attendees, reflecting a significant decrease in pedestrian activity.
Over the years, from 2015 to 2019, foot traffic had already started to decline. Recent data shows that average weekend pedestrian counts in 2024-25 remain approximately 1,000 visitors below pre-pandemic levels and 30% lower than figures recorded in 2015-16.
Current Business Landscape
Traders along Lygon Street, such as Bakers Delight franchisee Damien Fairbanks, have experienced a sharp drop in customer numbers. Fairbanks mentioned that his bakery now serves half the clientele it did two decades ago. He attributes this decline to the lack of local shopping options and the absence of a community “local” feel.
- Lygon Street’s retail vacancy rate is currently about 9%.
- This is an improvement from 13.5% in 2019 but worse than 5.6% in 2018.
Several local businesses, including Cinema Nova and Readings, face challenges as their customer base dwindles. According to Mark Rubbo, chairman of Readings, the absence of university foot traffic has significantly affected store sales.
Efforts for Renewal
Local stakeholders are actively seeking solutions. There are discussions about extending Melbourne’s free tram zone to Elgin Street, which could encourage more visitors. Additionally, some suggest implementing limits on the number of eateries to create a more diverse shopping experience, reminiscent of the Lygon Street Action Plan from the 1980s.
New developments are on the horizon, including the reopening of the King & Godfree building in 2026, which aims to infuse energy back into the area. Owner Jamie Valmorbida plans to launch multiple new venues, including Garfield Pizzeria, scheduled to open in February.
Future Prospects for Lygon Street
Lygon Street’s identity as a cultural and culinary destination is undergoing a transformation. Local businesses and traders believe that embracing a wider range of food offerings can help invigorate the area. Alfie Mercuri, managing director of Universal Restaurant, emphasizes the potential for Lygon Street to market itself as a diverse food precinct.
As the street confronts its decline, hope remains among traders that Lygon Street will once again thrive as a cultural and culinary cornerstone in Melbourne. The emphasis on passion for their businesses and a shared vision for a revitalized future is paramount, as they navigate the post-pandemic landscape.
