Sunshine’s central business district will be up in lights after dark under a new Brimbank council plan.
The council is joining with the Sunshine Business Association to launch the Light Up Sunshine initiative.
The council will conduct an audit of street and public lighting around Sunshine CBD to identify areas for improvement and will aim to expand on its calendar of events to encourage more people to come to Sunshine after dark.
It will also encourage traders to improve their own lighting.
City development director Stuart Menzies said the initiative was a practical way to revitalise Sunshine’s CBD at night while improving perceptions of safety.
Sunshine Business Association president Bruce White said business owners were keen to improve street lighting to open Sunshine for business at night.
“It’s not only a safety issue for people leaving work and during winter,” Mr White said.
“The other spin-off effect is that it will create a night-time culture where people feel they can shop, come out and dine. It will improve business by making people feel more comfortable within Sunshine.
“Sunshine shuts down at 5.30pm because businesses shut up and it becomes very quiet. Now, with the new rail hub, it becomes more important that we expand opportunities into the night time.
“I want to see all 440 businesses in Sunshine with some sort of lighting under their front verandahs to light up and illuminate the walkways.
“Hopefully, that means less undesirable activity after dark.”
Mr White also wants the council to introduce ambient and artistic lighting, including lighting for trees, buildings and public furniture.
