Lighting up Heritage. Enhancing Safety. Inviting Discovery.

In partnership with the,  Experience South Melbourne delivered a precinct-wide lighting project to enhance both the beauty and functionality of Clarendon Street after dark.

This two-part initiative included:

• Fairy lights delicately installed beneath the heritage verandahs across two key blocks of Clarendon Street, bringing a warm, welcoming ambiance to evening shoppers and diners.

• Architectural up-lights installed above verandahs across three blocks, illuminating the upper building facades and showcasing the street’s beautiful heritage architecture in a new light.

Lighting Matters

Thoughtful lighting does more than brighten a space, it invites people to linger, feel safe, and connect with their surroundings. In retail and hospitality precincts like South Melbourne, lighting is a powerful tool to:

• Improve safety and visibility for pedestrians in the evening hours

• Enhance the character of the streetscape, especially highlighting unique heritage elements

• Encourage nighttime economy, supporting hospitality and retail trade after sunset

• Create atmosphere that makes the precinct feel active, lived-in, and welcoming

By elevating the experience of Clarendon Street at night, this project supports local traders, strengthens the identity of the precinct, and enables South Melbourne remain a destination beyond daylight hours.

Project Impact

• Increased pedestrian activity and visibility in the evening
• Improved safety perception among locals and visitors
• A more cohesive, attractive, and vibrant nighttime environment
• Greater opportunity for businesses to extend their trading appeal into the evening