Project objective

In response to requests from local traders, we’re installing welcome signage in 2 Brighton activity centres; Bay Street (near the train station), and Martin Street (Martin St and Aisling St roundabout).

The eye-catching, artistically designed signs will mark the gateway for each shopping area and will help to create a strong and memorable sense of arrival, celebrating the distinct identity and character of each location.

The placemaking initiative aligns with the Bayside 2050 Community Vision, and is part of delivering the Placemaking Action Plan, an element of the Economic Development, Tourism and Placemaking Strategy 2024 – 2029. The project aims toenhance the public spaces with artistic, contemporary signage to support local placemaking, pride and economic vitality.

In April 2026, a targeted stakeholder engagement gathered feedback from local businesses and centre users to help inform 2 draft signage design concepts for each activity centre.

Commencing Tuesday 16 June, we’re undertaking a 2-week community engagement consultation to help us decide which design to use in each location.

Project impacts

The welcome signage will introduce an interesting, artistic element to each activity centre. The signs will highlight the precincts and help to create a sense of arrival, enhance the character and contribute to the user experience by showcasing an attractive and engaging streetscape. The project supports placemaking objectives, encourages visitation, and reinforces the distinct appeal of both Bay Street and Martin Street as vibrant, locally valued destinations.

What information do we need from the community?

The 2-week engagement period will gather community preferences on the design options for each activity centre through the Have Your Say project page and face-to-face pop-up sessions at both locations.

Community engagement will seek to understand:

• signage design preference for each location
• design elements most, and least liked about each concept
• any considerations to inform final design development (e.g., legibility, character, context).
• The selection of the concept design for signage in each activity centre.

What can the community influence?

• The selection of the concept design for signage in each activity centre

What can’t the community influence?

• The location the welcome signage is installed
• Materials used
• The dates, timelines and milestones involved in the delivery of this project

Stakeholders and community

This stakeholder assessment provides a general understanding of community segments connected to the project. It helps identify the most effective tools and techniques for engagement and communication.

Impact: What level of change the stakeholder / community segment may experience as a result of the project / matter

Interest: What level of interest has been expressed or is anticipated

Influence: Reference to the IAP2 Spectrum

Selected tools and techniques

The tools and techniques selected for this project are informed by the project content, stakeholders and type of feedback sought.

Key tools for communicating the project

• Project page on Council’s Have Your Say engagement platform
• Direct email to relevant Have Your Say members
• Direct email to Bay Street and Martin Street traders’ associations
• Council website (news story)
• This Week in Bayside (Council e-newsletter)

Key methods for gathering feedback

• Online quick poll on the Have Your Say project page
• Face-to-face engagement session
  • Bay Street, Saturday 20 June, 10:30am–12:30pm
  • Martin Street, Saturday 20 June 2026, 1:30pm – 3:30pm
• Email, post or phone submissions
• Direct contact with the Project Manager
• Printed materials, as required.

Project timelines

Decision-making process

Council will undertake a 2-week community consultation on the concept designs for the Bay Street and Martin Street welcome signs.

Feedback on the preferred design for each location will directly inform the final design development.

Community members are encouraged to select the +Subscribe button at the top of the page to receive project updates, including when the project will be considered by Council and any further opportunities to participate.

More information

Zach Conde, Place Maker

zconde@bayside.vic.gov.au