We formed a Community Reference Group to guide the project through the design process. This group is comprised of key stakeholders, including residents, traders, visitors and community groups.

We asked for your views on the look and functionality of Watsonia Town Square by providing feedback on four concept design options. You were also invited to an online information session where the options were presented and Council officers were available to answer your questions.

The feedback we received during the consultation period was used to generate a preferred design option, inclusive of the features that are most loved by the community.

We asked you to have you say on Watsonia Town Square by providing feedback on a preferred design.

The feedback we received during this stage of consultation was assessed and used to finalise the preferred design option, including the features that were most loved by the community.

The location for the square will be in the vicinity of the library and Watsonia Road, Morwell Avenue and Ibbotson Street intersection.

Unfortunately running the transmission lines underground is not feasible. The cables would need to be buried in large diameter conduits which would exceed the easement limits. The conduits would require significant excavation between the new towers in Frensham Reserve and the towers near the Greenwood Drive/ Morwell Avenue intersection. Furthermore the excavation works would cut through the North East Link project along Greensborough Road, Watsonia Train station and impact on multiple underground services around the town square precinct. Even if Council was to proceed with this option, it’s cost prohibitive and the permit application process would take years with approval unlikely.

We have worked closely with AusNet Services to ensure that the design meets their requirements. While general conclusions haven’t established a relationship between magnetic fields and adverse health effects, we will continue to monitor the available guidance. Current guidance can be found on the Arpansa website or the AusNet Services website

Public toilets have been designed as part of the design phase of the project. The construction of the toilets will need to be funded by Council and considered as part of Council’s 2023/24 budget process.

Council has identified several opportunities to continue to advocate to the State Government to maximise the town square features and activate the area. Council has developed the Investment and Activation Fund proposal in partnership with the Watsonia Traders’ Association (refer to the attachment in the document library). This proposal is one of Council’s advocacy priorities and has been presented to the local member, the Hon Colin Brooks MP at a meeting with the Watsonia Traders’ Association.

Features considered include interactive play elements, an example of which can be found in the Macleod Village Green Playground.

Yes, Council owns the land within the Watsonia Town Square Project footprint.

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AusNet have been consulted and tree selection has been based on allowable height under the transmission lines.

The bus route following the development of the town square is currently being finalised, the impact of this will be considered in detailed design.

The proposed bus routes and proposed intersection changes have been discussed and agreed with the Department of Transport. Intersection designs have factored in bus turning movements.

A traffic study has considered impacts of traffic on streets in the area. Traffic analysis has been undertaken for the concept design and this has shown a moderate increase in traffic in Grace Street. The design of the intersection of Grace/Morwell will be considered further during detailed design.

The proposed bus routes and proposed intersection changes have been discussed and agreed with the Department of Transport. Intersections have factored in bus turning movements.

Traffic analysis was undertaken for the concept design and this showed a moderate increase in traffic in Grace Street. The design of the bus stops will be finalised in detailed design in conjunction with discussions with the Department of Transport and consideration of traffic impacts.