Revised CBD Streetscape Concept Designs Released
Published on 30 April 2026
Southern Grampians Shire Council is seeking feedback on revised concept plans for stage one of the Hamilton CBD Streetscape Project which focuses on Gray Street between Thompson and Brown Streets.
Following engagement on the first round of concept designs released in early 2025, changes have been made to reflect community feedback, including adjustments to species of replacement trees, more connection to culture and heritage, and more greenery.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin said the updated designs represent a significant step forward and encouraged residents to have their say.
“We’re pleased to share these revised concept designs with the community and invite feedback as we continue shaping the future of our CBD,” Cr Heslin said.
“Following the release of the earlier concepts, we heard clearly that the discussion around the trees needed broader consideration and stronger community input. In response, Council established a CBD Streetscape Project Advisory Committee, whose considered and ultimately supported advice to remove and replace all plane trees due to the long-term impact they were having on nearby buildings and infrastructure in the first stage of the project.
“That advice has now been incorporated into the revised plans, which include replacing the current 25 trees with 40 new, more appropriate species of trees, along with additional low-level planting to ensure the area remains green and welcoming while the new canopy matures.”
The trees, a mixture of deciduous and evergreen natives will be purchased early to maximise size prior to planting. As part of this consultation, residents are also invited to share their thoughts on the replacement species selected.
Cr Heslin said the revised plans deliver a more balanced and community-focused vision for the CBD.
“These new designs have injected the wow-factor the earlier designs were lacking and introduce more cultural and heritage elements into the CBD. There’s sheltered seating with gathering spaces, vertical greening, and the removal of red bricks in favour of a larger, more appropriate paver.
“Accessibility has also been a priority with widening pedestrian zones, accessible tactile strips for crossings, inclusion of disability car parking as well as needed loading zones for businesses.
“We’re really happy with how these designs have evolved and matured into something that can better support residents, visitors and local business owners,” Cr Heslin said. “Jump online – check out the plans and let us know what you think.”
Residents can provide their feedback via the online survey on Council’s website or are welcome to attend a Community Drop-In Session on Tuesday 19 May 2026 between 4:00pm – 7:00pm at the Hamilton Cinema.
“We will have our project team on hand to deliver a short presentation at 4:30pm which will be repeated at 6:30pm, providing opportunity for residents and business owners to attend. We will also have the concept designs on display in the Library and Gallery Foyer,” concluded Cr Heslin.
Public exhibition will run from Thursday 30 April – Friday 22 May 2026 with concept designs planned to be tabled at the June 2026 Council meeting for adoption.
Visit Hamilton CBD Streetscape Revitalisation | Engage Southern Grampians to complete the online survey.