Croydon’s Main Street set for a $15 million facelift after federal cash splash

On Monday night, Maroondah councillors welcomed a $7.5 million contribution from the Federal Government towards the Croydon Main Street facelift.

Matthew Sims
March 18, 2025

On Monday night, Maroondah Council celebrated its good fortune after pocketing $7.5 million of federal cash.

Council had been seeking funding for the Croydon Main Street Revitalisation Project, a project with a budget of $15 million, and Maroondah Council said it would contribute half if the federal government covered the other half.

“We’re still here”: Croydon’s main street in need of new retailers

Croydon's Main Street has seen a number of retailers come and go over the years. The Eastern Melburnian spoke to the former owner of Collins Booksellers Croydon about how the street has changed and what's in store in the town's future.

Maroondah councillor Daniella Heatherich said she was excited to see the project come to fruition: “The Croydon Main Street Revitalisation Project will support council’s long-term vision and planning for Maroondah.”

She said the makeover would “ensure our infrastructure and facilities continue to meet the needs of our community. The project will aim to create a safer, more vibrant Main Street and Croydon Town Square that will benefit residents, visitors, shoppers and traders”.

Regional Development Minister Catherine King visited Croydon’s Main Street last month to announce the funding under the government’s Thriving Suburbs Program.

She also visited one of the sites of the proposed Croydon Community Wellbeing Precinct (CCWP), with the Federal Government also contributing $7.5 million funding towards the $15 million project.

With funding now secured, Maroondah Council would further develop the Croydon Main Street Revitalisation Project, which will include undertaking trader and community consultation later this year.

The CCWP would be home to a number of council and community services, including Aquahub, a maternal and child health centre, library, U3A, senior citizens centre, bowls club, kindergarten and RSL club.

"Give it a go": Croydon's Main Street opens the door to new retailers

As works on the Level Crossing Removal Project nears its end and roads re-open, Croydon's Main Street traders are excited to see how they can turn a new page in the iconic strip's history.

“Croydon has been overlooked for far too long,” Labor candidate for Deakin, Matt Gregg, told the Eastern Melburnian. “This isn’t about photo ops or glossy booklets - this is real, transformational infrastructure that will revitalise Croydon, improving its look, feel, and livability for everyone.”

Gregg said “dilapidated paving” would be replaced and that lighting and CCTV would be upgraded as part of the project.