McClelland College students submitted essays about their vision for Frankston in a council-run competition with the school.

Winner Maria Rychkova wrote: "In the future, Frankston would become teeming with vibrancy and [be] the epicentre for food, culture, shopping and entertainment on the peninsula ... all these things can easily be achieved with a little time, effort and imagination." Others said:

* "I think Frankston is a great place to go to, but minor changes can definitely be made to make it a safer environment." - Laura Veugelers.

* "Frankston also possesses some ugly landmarks, such as the local train station and Young Street. Our town has potential and our residents are crying out for a leg up." - Corallanne Pohlam.

* "I also think if people take a train to Frankston they get to its station and they already think bad of the place ... the station looks like a dump." - William Willmott

* "The design of buildings all over the world, bar a certain few, has always been pretty basic. Maybe Frankston could take a leading step and build bigger establishment with a bit of a risky but smart look to them. Possible add a few curves to walls instead of our usual squared-off structures." - Nick Hammill.

The council's 'Heart of Frankston' campaign is calling for state and federal funding to revitalise the central activities district.