Thank you to everyone who shared feedback on the Darebin to Ivanhoe Active Transport and Open Space Draft Masterplan.

This project is the first in a series of implementation initiatives focused on the Hurstbridge Rail Corridor and adjoining areas.

During consultation in May and June 2026, 128 community members shared their feedback through an online survey, in-person engaement activities and direct correspondence.

View the full findings report.

What we asked

Using feedback from Stage 1 engagement, we developed the Darebin to Ivanhoe Active Transport and Open Space Draft Masterplan.

We then asked the community for their level of support for:

Community feedback will be used to refine the Masterplan and inform the development of an implementation plan. This work is expected to be completed by September 2026.

Click on the 'area tabs' to explore different parts of the areas, see what the spaces are like now, and check out the proposed changes.

In 2022 we heard your ideas for the Hurstbridge Rail Corridor.

You told us that you want safe, easy paths for walking and cycling. You prefer flat terrain where possible, good lighting and clear signs to help people find their way and more trees and greenery.

What's next?

The next area for improvement is between Darebin Station and Ivanhoe Station. This includes land along the train line from Rockbeare Grove and Buchanan Street in Ivanhoe (near the Darebin Creek), to the corner of Sherwood Road and Ashby Grove in Eaglemont.

The Masterplan

We have created a draft masterplan called the Active Transport and Open Space Masterplan, Darebin to Ivanhoe Stations.

The Masterplan aims to make the area safer and easier for walking and cycling, create places where people can spend time, improve nearby parks and open spaces, protect nature and wildlife, and improve connection between neighbourhoods, train stations and parks.

How the design is being guided

The Masterplan has six key principles:

• Safe for everyone - people of all ages and abilities feel safe and confident to walk and ride.
• Easy to follow - direct routes and clear signage to help people get where they need to go.
• Better amenity and pleasant to use - more shade, seating and greenery to enjoy.
• Good for the environment - more trees and native plants to cool the area and support wildlife.
• Welcoming for all - spaces are accessible and inclusive for everyone.
• Shaped with the community - planned with input from the community and local organisations.

What next

Your feedback will be used to finalised the Masterplan. This work, together with an implementation plan, is expected to be completed by Septemebr 2026.

Salisbury Avenue

Salisbury Avenue is a quiet residential street next to the train line that connects people to Darebin Creek and Darebin Station. Because the street is steep and needs to keep on‑street parking, the plan focuses on small but important changes.

These include:

• road markings to support cycling
• a new shared path linking the station to Upper Heidelberg Road
• a safer crossing at Rose Street.

Improvements to planting, seating and street appearance are also planned.

Community feedback highlighted the need for a future crossing over Darebin Creek to improve access to Alphington and nearby areas

View maps for Area A to see existing conditions and what is proposed.

Lower Heidelberg Road/Waterdale Road

Lower Heidelberg Road is a busy main road with fast traffic and limited space, making walking and cycling difficult.

The Masterplan proposes to:

• replace the westbound bike lane with a wide shared path off the road to improve safety
• slow traffic and make the area easier to move through
• include clearer crossings, better signs, traffic calming on Waterdale Road and more street trees.

These improvements are designed to make the corridor safer, calmer and more comfortable for everyone.

View maps for Area B to see existing conditions and what is proposed.

Ivanhoe Village Gateway

This area is an important entry point to Ivanhoe Village and Ivanhoe Station, but crossing Waterdale Road is currently difficult due to heavy traffic.

The Masterplan proposes:

• new road changes to make crossings safer
• a new shared path along Norman Street
• retaining on‑street parking.

Public space improvements such as seating, bike repair stations, clear signs and creative street treatments will help make the area more welcoming and easier to navigate, while strengthening its village feel.

View maps for Area C to see existing conditions and what is proposed.

Ivanhoe Station Precinct

Ivanhoe Station is a busy place where people who walk, cycle, catch buses and drive compete for space, especially near the entrance to the station.

The Masterplan aims to:

• reduce confusion and improve safety by clearly separating cycling directions on Norman Street
• support future improvements to the station, including better accessibility.

Upgrades to nearby parks, planting, seating and wayfinding will help create a safer, more comfortable and easier‑to‑use station area.

View maps for Area D to see existing conditions and what is proposed.

Sherwood Road

Sherwood Road is a quiet, leafy residential street with limited space for new paths.

To protect trees and vegetation, the Masterplan:

• avoids building a shared path and instead uses road markings to support safe cycling
• includes minor traffic calming measures
• adds greenery to help reduce vehicle speeds while keeping the street’s calm, green character.

These changes support a safe, low‑speed environment that works well for both residents and cyclists.

View maps for Area E to see existing conditions and what is proposed.

Interactive map

In March to April 2022 the community shared their ideas on the Hurstbridge Rail Corridor. Click on the markers to see what the community told us.

Click the '+Follow' button to stay up-to-date on this project.