St Kilda's Acland Street shopping strip will be permanently converted into a pedestrian mall next winter after City of Port Phillip councillors voted unanimously to strip the street of parking spaces and shut its southern end to traffic.

The route 96 tram terminus will be expanded from one track to two and a new disability-accessible platform stop built in Acland Street as part of the project.

An artist's impression of the Acland Street transformation.

The decision marks the first time part of Melbourne's tram network outside the CBD has been pedestrianised.

Councillors were unswayed by strong opposition from the Acland Street Traders Association and some St Kilda residents, who warned the cherished dining and shopping strip would fall into decline once people lost the ability to drive through or park on the street.