Princess Street lights up

By Tate Papworth

St Albans’ Princess Street will be transformed with a spectacular lighting display and colourful designs inspired by the late Leigh Bowery.

Brimbank council will launch a bold makeover of the area and is throwing an evening of family fun to celebrate.

Mayor Lucinda Congreve encouraged residents, traders and visitors to join in the celebrations.

“Come on down to make a lantern, hear some music, try out the neon photo-booth and grab a coffee or ice cream on us – then sit back to enjoy the spectacular new lighting for the first time.

“The design was inspired by the late artist Leigh Bowery, who grew up in nearby Sunshine and was known for his bold, provocative art and design.

“The new Princess Street features bold colours and a fun, lively atmosphere, and creates a pedestrian-focused link between the St Albans train station, the nearby Errington Precinct, and of course, the Bowery Theatre.”

The $1.175 million upgrade was funded by Brimbank City Council ($925,000) in partnership with the Victorian Government’s Community Crime Prevention Program ($250,000).

The new design is aimed at enhancing safety with improved lighting and Brimbank’s first shared pedestrian and traffic zone, where pedestrians have right of way. It also includes extra garden beds, trees, feature lighting and new seating, all in a vibrant, theatrical design.

The celebratory evening will be held on Wednesday, May 15 from 5-7pm.