If Cremorne feels busy, that is because it is.
Our suburb may be compact, but it punches well above its weight. Home to around 2,000 residents, 700 businesses, and 10,000 jobs, Cremorne contributes close to $4 billion to Yarra’s economy each year. It sits between the CBD and the Yarra River, wrapped in train lines, heritage buildings, residential pockets, education campuses, and some of Melbourne’s biggest commercial tenants.
With that level of activity in such a small footprint, growth has brought energy, opportunity, and innovation - but also some very real challenges.
Narrow streets, crowded footpaths, limited parking, and heavy through-traffic have made getting around more difficult for locals, workers, and visitors alike. Add intense development into the mix, and it is clear why Cremorne needs thoughtful planning rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Planning for the long game
Yarra City Council has spent several years developing the Cremorne Urban Design Framework (UDF) - a long-term plan designed to guide how Cremorne grows, while protecting what makes it special.
The goal is simple: build on what people already love about Cremorne, while making it work better for the future.
The framework looks at:
- Creating new public and green spaces
- Improving connections to the Yarra River
- Making streets safer and easier for walking and cycling
- Strengthening public transport access
- Protecting heritage buildings
- Guiding building height, design, and spacing
Community feedback has played a major role, with hundreds of responses helping shape revised street and movement options. The plan is ready - but it requires Victorian Government approval before it can formally move forward.
After more than 18 months of waiting, there has finally been progress, with interim planning controls now approved and consultation on permanent controls expected later this year. Council continues to advocate strongly to keep things moving.
Why traffic and movement matter
One of the biggest focus areas is how people move through Cremorne.
At the moment, local streets often act as unofficial shortcuts to major arterial roads, creating congestion and safety issues. The UDF proposes a staged approach to change - not overnight disruption, but gradual improvements.
Early steps focus on slowing traffic, managing through-movement, and creating more space for pedestrians. Longer term ideas include one-way street loops and better use of nearby transport hubs like Richmond Station.
Walking, cycling, and public transport will become increasingly important as Cremorne continues to grow.
Day-to-day realities: footpaths, parking, and safety
Council has acknowledged concerns around construction sites and the condition of streets and footpaths. A dedicated enforcement team actively monitors larger developments in Cremorne to ensure public safety and compliance.
Parking remains a complex issue. Cremorne is now a priority area for parking enforcement, with Richmond and Cremorne accounting for over 40 percent of all parking infringements across Yarra in recent months. A new kerbside and parking strategy is underway, with community input shaping future solutions.
A key intersection to watch
The corner of Cremorne and Swan Streets has been identified as an urgent pressure point, particularly during peak train times. Short-term improvements are being pushed forward while longer-term solutions are explored with the State Government.
What this means for members
Cremorne is changing, but with careful planning, advocacy, and community input, the aim is to make it more liveable, more connected, and more enjoyable - not just busier.
Council has committed to ongoing updates as plans progress, and we will continue to keep our members informed as changes take shape around us.
Cremorne has always been a place where business, culture, and creativity collide. The next chapter is about making sure it grows in a way that works for everyone.
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