Carlton’s future takes shape around the breakfast table

If the discussion at Carlton Inc’s quarterly networking breakfast is anything to go by, the future of Carlton will be built through collaboration.

On Wednesday, July 1, Carlton Inc committee members and supporters gathered for the organisation’s quarterly breakfast meeting, this time in a new home: the Lincoln Room at the recently opened Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton by IHG.

The morning also marked a new chapter for the organisation, with several new members from the local business community and new committee members welcomed as Carlton Inc continues to grow its membership and influence across the precinct.

The new setting proved well suited to the occasion. Guests were greeted with coffee and a breakfast spread from the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Fico, while Carlton florist Benty Flowers provided elegant floral arrangements for each table.

Before proceedings began, the room buzzed with conversation as members reconnected with familiar faces and newcomers met neighbouring businesses and community leaders.

With barely an empty seat in the room, the breakfast brought together an impressive cross-section of Carlton’s community, including business owners, residents’ representatives, community organisations, Victoria Police, City of Melbourne representatives and Lord Mayor Nick Reece.

Opening the morning, Carlton Inc chairman Sergio Alderuccio welcomed guests before introducing the organisation’s new committee members and outlining Carlton Inc’s vision of bringing together the many voices that make up the precinct.

His message set the tone for the morning: Carlton’s future will be shaped by collaboration rather than competition.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece reinforced that theme, reflecting on a recent visit to London where he explored internationally recognised Business Improvement Districts, including King’s Cross and Canary Wharf.

He spoke about the success of precincts where local businesses, residents, government and institutions work together towards shared goals, and how those partnerships have helped transform neighbourhoods into thriving destinations.

The focus then turned to Carlton itself.

La Mama Theatre artistic director Caitlin Dullard spoke about the important role arts and culture continue to play in Carlton’s identity.

The presentation highlighted how creative activation, performance and community storytelling can bring public spaces to life, attract new visitors and strengthen connections between local businesses, residents and the wider community.

Although many of the ideas discussed remain in their early stages, the breakfast was less about announcing completed projects than beginning conversations.

Representing the Carlton Residents’ Association, president Trish O’Loughlin and committee member Marissa Doyle shared their vision for the future of Lygon St, presenting practical ideas to make the precinct greener, more accessible and more inviting while preserving the character that has made Carlton famous.

Rather than focusing on major redevelopment, the discussion centred on improvements that encourage people to spend more time in the precinct, including wider footpaths, additional greenery, improved pedestrian connections and more opportunities for outdoor dining and community interaction.

One of the morning’s strongest messages was the growing recognition that traders and residents ultimately want the same outcome: a vibrant, safe and prosperous Carlton.

“What everyone in the room would agree is that what we want for Lygon St, in particular, is for it to become a thriving, vibrant area,” Ms Doyle said.

That collaborative approach was echoed by Victoria Police’s Nick Parissis, who spoke about the importance of strong relationships between police, traders and residents.

Rather than focusing solely on enforcement, Mr Parissis highlighted communication, partnership and community engagement as essential ingredients in maintaining Carlton as a safe and welcoming destination.

Rounding out the morning, City of Melbourne Place Activation Lead Josh Newton presented the city’s ongoing work to better understand how people experience Lygon St and where opportunities exist to strengthen one of Melbourne’s most iconic precincts.

Rather than presenting a finished masterplan, Mr Newton explained that the project was still evolving through consultation with businesses, residents and stakeholders. The aim, he said, was not to change Carlton’s identity, but to build on its strengths by creating public spaces that encourage people to stay longer, connect with local businesses and enjoy everything the precinct has to offer.

Ideas explored included improving pedestrian movement, enhancing public spaces, increasing greenery and supporting outdoor dining and place activation, all while respecting Carlton’s heritage and unique character.

“You all know this area better than we ever will, and you will tell us what is missing,” Mr Newton said. “That is how, together with council and community aspirations, we will come up with a plan.”

Whether the discussion centred on business, planning, community safety or the arts, every presentation returned to the same principle: Carlton’s future will be strongest when its businesses, residents, institutions and government work together.

For a suburb renowned for its culture, hospitality and history, that shared vision may prove to be one of its greatest strengths in the years ahead.