Visitors return to Melbourne after lockdown easing

Pedestrian data compiled by the City of Melbourne shows that visitors flocked back to the city over the weekend to take advantage of post lockdown freedom of movement.

City of Melbourne Lord Mayor, Sally Capp said the data showed the city’s dining precincts saw the biggest uptick in visitation “Melburnians filled every seat in town to celebrate the end of lockdown over a well-deserved meal or round of drinks..

“As lockdown ended on Thursday evening and celebrations began, we saw a 2000% increase in foot traffic at our Southbank and Melbourne Central sensors shortly after midnight.

“Foot traffic on Lygon Street jumped 1200% around the time for knock-off beers on Friday night, while Chinatown saw a 600% increase at dinner time, compared to low figures forming a four-week average during lockdown.

"A huge thank you goes out to all the Victorians who have been vaccinated so far - you deserve to celebrate. Let’s keep getting jabs into arms and hit that 80% double dose threshold, and beyond.”

Other notable increases in activity compared to the four-week average during lockdown include:

• A 1500% increase at midnight on Thursday evening at the Town Hall sensor

• A 282% increase at 8pm on Saturday at Flinders Street Station Underpass

• A 200% increase at 1pm on Saturday at Melbourne Central

Noting that Melbourne’s hospitality businesses had done it especially tough through six lockdowns and were finally seeing a much-needed boost in city visitation, City Activation Portfolio Lead Councillor Roshena Campbell added "we know hospitality experiences play a key role in getting people back into the city. That’s why we are continuing to waive permit fees for outdoor dining. It’s also a key way we can help these businesses get back on their feet,” Cr Campbell said.

“This is a critical time for our city’s economic recovery. We look forward to city retailers welcoming patrons back and increased capacity for dining from Friday.”