The locally known ‘gateway’ into Eltham where the city meets the bush will be revitalised thanks to a bold plan driven by locals and supported by local and state government.
Nillumbik Shire Council, Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV), Eltham MP Vicki Ward and community organisation Southern Gateway Renewal Group are working in partnership on the Eltham Gateway Project.
The community-led project will focus on rehabilitating and enhancing green spaces on both sides of Main Road, between Falkiner Street and the Diamond Creek bridge, recreating a new gateway following the recent upgrade of the Fitzsimons Lane intersection.
The plan is to create a sense of arrival into Eltham and the Green Wedge Shire of Nillumbik, while reclaiming underused roadside areas as public open space. Works will involve landscaping and revegetation with indigenous species, a new public artwork, as well as pathways and seating.
The community now has an opportunity to provide feedback on a draft conceptual master plan, which Council this week endorsed for public exhibition.
The designs are an important first step in the sharing of ideas, with the plan to evolve in response to community consultation.
The plan is now available on Participate Nillumbik for comment until 11.59pm, Wednesday 3 August.
Nillumbik Mayor Frances Eyre said the project was a great example of collaboration between various levels of government and the community.
“This is a unique opportunity to create a beautiful, welcoming and iconic entry to Eltham and the Shire,” Cr Eyre said.
“It’s the result of passionate advocacy by our community, led by the Southern Gateway Renewal Group, and Council, and I would like to thank Vicki Ward and MRPV for being so receptive and supportive of this concept.”
Cr Geoff Paine said the project would result in a distinctive and welcoming local feature.
“We hope that together we will create something that conveys the character, the openness and the creativity of the area – and indeed the whole Shire,” Cr Paine said.
Denis Johnston, from Southern Gateway Renewal Group said: “Our group has transitioned from our spirited advocacy for a simpler traffic solution at the Fitzsimons Lane roundabout to initiating and now advocating for a community driven concept for a new gateway.
“We encourage the community to bring forward their ideas to create a gateway that we will be proud to come home to.”
Member for Eltham Vicki Ward said: “This is an important community project that has been led by the community partnering with Government, MRPV and Nillumbik. It’s a fantastic opportunity to rehabilitate our green spaces and enhance Eltham’s southern gateway.
“The intersection upgrade at Fitzsimons Lane is working well and this nearby project is an important legacy that the community can enjoy.”
Major Road Projects Victoria Program Director Dipal Sorathia said: “We’re excited to hear how the community would like to see this green space come to life as part of the Fitzsimons Lane Upgrade project, and will develop the space in close collaboration with Nillumbik Shire Council and local community members.”
Following consultation, work on the project will start later this year. The plan will potentially be delivered in stages, depending on scope. The first stage will be jointly funded by Nillumbik Shire Council and MRPV, and is anticipated to be completed in early 2023. Depending on final scope, other stages will be completed as further funding becomes available.
As part of the rehabilitation of the area, trees that are dead, hazardous or in poor condition will be removed. This is proposed to be undertaken at the same time as a separate project in the neighbouring Eltham Lower Park to remove hazardous trees and undertake rehabilitation works.
Two pop-up information sessions will be held where the community can view the concept plans and have the opportunity to ask questions. These will be held on:
- Wednesday 20 July, 12pm-2pm, Eltham Library
- Sunday 24 July, 10am-12noon, Main Road car park fronting Eltham Lower Park
