Flower power to help business

They say good things come to those who wait so, after two years, Collins St traders are excited abut achieving a 12-month trial installation of floral planter boxes.

Collins St Precinct vice-president Alister Reid raised the idea with the City of Melbourne in 2013 and is delighted that it has germinated and blossomed.

Mr Reid said the planter boxes were good for business as it encouraged pedestrians to slow down and “smell the roses”. 

As a result, he said, they were more likely to engage with the businesses along the street.

“It softens the streetscape, makes people slow down and results in a safer environment,” he said.

Under the arrangement, the council has agreed to change the configuration of the planter boxes each season and an assessment will be made on the success of the program next year.

So far, the southern side of the block between Russell and Exhibition streets has been treated with 19 new planter boxes.

Mr Reid said he expected the program to be hailed a success and hoped it would be extended to the rest of Collins St.

“It bring benefits to both the traders and the public,” he said. 

“And, at the same time, it enhances Melbourne’s reputation as an international city.”