Greek precinct gets a revamp in time for popular festival

The city’s Greek precinct is undergoing a facelift in Lonsdale St which is set to improve dining facilities and add additional greenery.

The works include new stainless steel planter boxes with rosemary being installed as well as repairing broken bluestone pavers and removing existing café shelters.

There will also be a new irrigation system with Hellenic Greek stone pavers being reinstated – all in time for the Lonsdale Street Greek festival to be held in October.

The works spans between Russell St and Tattersalls Lane with completion scheduled in August.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the upgrade would ensure Lonsdale St remained an inviting space for decades to come.

“Melbourne’s Lonsdale St Greek precinct is a vibrant hub of culture and celebration,” she said.

“For decades Lonsdale St has been the home of our Greek community, boasting some of the best restaurants in the city and hosting the annual Antipodes Greek Festival.”

Tsindos Greek Restaurant owner Harry Tsindos said he welcomed the project which was beautifying the street and another reason to entice visitors to the city.

“For me, they [the council] are doing a great job in reigniting Melbourne, the CBD, bringing people back,” he said.

While there had been some disruption, Mr Tsindos said trade had not been impacted and he and customers understood it was more the betterment of the street.

“Lunch has gone up and night times are really busy.”

The project is funded through the $100 million Melbourne City Recovery Fund – a partnership between the City of Melbourne and the state government. •

Caption: Lord Mayor Sally Capp with work crews who are upgrading the Lonsdale Street’s Greek precinct.