East Gippsland Shire Council says it is taking steps to revitalise the Nicholson Street Mall after community concerns about anti-social behaviour and council contributions toward the former Woolworths building.
“The Nicholson Street Mall is an important area of the Bairnsdale CBD with great potential to be reactivated,” CEO Fiona Weigall said. She highlighted an investor/developer committed to creating a new vision for the CBD, which council has leveraged to support a funding application for a regional arts precinct with the Federal Government. While last year’s application was unsuccessful, council is now pursuing other funding opportunities, with the potential investment expected to be transformational for Bairnsdale and the broader region.
Council has been contributing a small holding fee on the former Woolworths building to progress the opportunity.
“This holding fee — not an ongoing lease — has allowed us to work proactively with
the building owner to seek government funding and support to revitalise the area,”
Ms Weigall said.
She also addressed concerns about anti-social behaviour in the mall.
“We fully understand these concerns. While partly linked to the relocation of a major retailer, these behaviours also reflect broader social changes and are not simple to resolve,” she said.
“Anti-social activity is rising across Victoria. If anyone experiences unlawful or dangerous behaviour—such as threats, property damage, drug activity, or violence—they should contact Victoria Police on 000 for emergencies or 131 444 for non-urgent matters.”
Council has been consulting traders and stakeholders to find solutions.
“We have met with business owners, chamber representatives, police, MPs, and taxi operators to understand immediate concerns and explore opportunities to revitalise this part of our regional centre,” Ms Weigall said.
Work is also underway to encourage more visitors to the mall. Short-term activations and artwork installations are planned, while ongoing maintenance remains a priority. Cleaning occurs twice weekly, public toilets are locked overnight, and different piped music is being trialed to discourage loitering and vandalism.
“Council is committed to ensuring the mall remains as safe as possible in the short-term while exploring opportunities for long-term redevelopment and reactivation that will support both traders and the broader community,” Ms Weigall said.
