Lygon Street: can Melbourne’s Little Italy find its next chapter?

In this episode of Future Melbourne, we sit down with Sergio Alderuccio, president of Carlton Inc., to explore the past, present and future of one of Melbourne’s most iconic streets.

From its roots as the birthplace of Melbourne’s café culture to its golden era as a bustling hub of Italian life, food and celebration, Lygon Street has long held a special place in the city’s identity. Sergio shares his personal connection to the strip, the stories that have shaped it, and what it meant at its peak — from packed-out festas to unforgettable moments like World Cup celebrations spilling into the street.

But like many high streets, Lygon St is changing. We unpack the challenges facing traders today, from shifting consumer habits and foot traffic to vacancies, safety, cleanliness and the evolving mix of businesses along the strip. As new cultures and cuisines reshape the southern end, questions are being asked about what “Little Italy” means in 2026 — and whether the street can, or should, return to its roots.

We also explore the role of Carlton Inc. in supporting traders and activating the precinct, the push to revive the Lygon Street Festa, and the growing collaboration between businesses and residents around a shared vision for the street’s future.

This is a conversation about identity, evolution and what it takes to keep a great Melbourne street alive.

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