‘Not a concrete wasteland’: Lord Mayor Nick Reece’s retort to The Age’s Melbourne CBD series
Sydney Morning Herald
by Nick ReeceFebruary 25, 2026
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Lord Mayor Nick Reece has responded to recent reporting in *The Age* that portrays Melbourne’s CBD as a struggling "concrete wasteland" emerging from the pandemic. In a rebuttal, Reece highlights that while challenges remain, such as reduced office occupancy and lower pedestrian foot traffic on some days, there are clear signs of resilience and growth. He points to increased spending per visit by city-goers, with December 2025 marking a record-breaking $1.2 billion in total spending—up from pre-pandemic levels. This suggests that when people do come to the CBD, they are spending more than ever before, signaling a strong recovery.
Reece cites specific examples of revitalization, such as Bourke Street Mall’s transformation with new retailers like Mecca Cosmetique’s global flagship store. Weekend foot traffic in December 2025 was up by an impressive 37% compared to the previous year, and many inner-city precincts are now seeing foot traffic levels exceeding pre-pandemic figures. Even areas like Lygon Street, which faced challenges, are experiencing a renaissance with new restaurants, markets, and bluestone pathways attracting visitors. This shift is reflected in rising restaurant spending in Carlton, where foot traffic has rebounded significantly.
Despite these positive trends, Reece acknowledges ongoing issues such as high office vacancy rates (19%) and safety concerns that deter some visitors. However, he notes that the CBD’s shop vacancy rate remains low at 5.6%, a stark contrast to other Australian cities. The influx of new immigrants and international students has also injected fresh energy into the city, making it feel more youthful and multicultural than ever before. Major events like the Australian Open and Grand Prix are drawing record crowds, further boosting the CBD’s appeal.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/25/2026