By Karen Poh
LAVERTON’S main street will “raise civic pride” if residents say yes to Hobsons Bay City Council’s proposed Aviation Rd makeover.
The plan covers the section of Aviation Rd between Bendigo Bank and Double C Jeanery, and key elements include:
• A new median strip with appropriate access to car parks and businesses;
• Moving overhead powerlines on the eastern side of the street underground and installing new street lights along the median strip;
• Planting eucalyptus trees along the median strip and pear trees along the footpaths;
• Landscaped “gateways” at each end of the street;
• Wider footpaths on the eastern side of the street to make more room for outdoor dining;
• Improvements to the footpaths to make the existing pedestrian crossing safer; and
• New charcoal-coloured concrete footpaths.
Seabrooke Ward councillor Renee Caruana said the draft plan was developed in consultation with the Laverton Traders Association and the Laverton Action Group, and tackled issues raised by residents and the business community.
She said she hoped the improvements to the streetscape would increase civic pride and lift the overall image of Laverton.
“The proposed streetscape plan supports the role of Aviation Rd as the key neighbourhood shopping centre in Laverton by making it a more appealing space for the community to meet, shop and socialise,” Cr Caruana said.
“The plan retains the car-oriented structure of Aviation Rd, providing adequate access to businesses, car parks and the freeway, while making it safer, easier and more pleasant for pedestrians to get around,” she said.
The changes are expected to cost about $700,000, with $390,000 allocated from the council’s budget and $100,000 from the State Government as part of its Community Renewal Program.
The council is also hoping to cut by half the costs of moving the powerlines underground through the State Government’s Powerline Relocation Scheme.
If approved, the works will take place from February to May next year.
The plan is on show until Friday 12 September at the Aviation Rd shopping centre, Hobsons Bay Civic Centre, and on the council’s website at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay
