Sections of Havlin Street East next to the Wolstencroft Reserve and Havlin Street West adjoining Ewing Park will be permanently closed to traffic following extensive community consultation and a decision at Wednesday’s Greater Bendigo City Council meeting.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Margaret O’Rourke said the closures will play a role in the ongoing redevelopment of Ewing Park and the development of Wolstencroft Reserve.
“The closure of a 200 metre section of Havlin Street West located between Williamson and Mundy Streets will allow the City to continue to implement the Ewing Park Recreation Reserve Masterplan which includes construction of a new learn to ride bike path and a regional level skate park,” Cr O’Rourke said.
“Stage one of the masterplan has included improvements to the oval along with the installation of a new two-lane walking/jogging track and new training lights and the closure will allow Stage two to take place.
“The closure of this section of Havlin Street West will improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians accessing the Back Creek shared path network.
“While the closure of a further 220 metre part of Havlin Street East between Rodney Street and 65 Havlin Street East will provide greater opportunity for the redevelopment of Back Creek to complement the development of Wolstencroft Reserve.
“The Wolstencroft Reserve Masterplan which was adopted earlier this year includes development of a suburban/township level open space featuring a range of nature-based play opportunities, pump track, adventure based climbing unit, flying fox, play equipment, shade shelter, landscaping and extensive tree planting.
“The closure will make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians using the Back Creek Trail and accessing the Wolstencroft Reserve.”
Both closures will take place as part of the stage two developments at both reserves which are currently unfunded.
