Traffic and Parking
Efficient and integrated traffic treatments and parking that reinforces Watsonia's place value.
Watsonia Town Square is complete
We’re pleased to share that construction of Watsonia Town Square is now complete.
Over the past two years, we’ve created safe, welcoming public spaces in the heart of Watsonia. The Town Square is a new community asset designed for people of all ages to enjoy now and into the future.
This large and complex project included:
- A nature play area, climbing wall, skateable zone, shared user paths and landscaped surrounds on the Morwell Avenue side of the Town Square
- Accessible public toilets, an innovative play space and additional seating near the Library
- A new shared user path providing safer walking and cycling connections through the Town Square to Watsonia Station
- An arbour to provide shade along the shared user path
- Safe raised pedestrian crossings at High Street and Watsonia Road, and new pedestrian traffic lights at Watsonia Road
- A new central car park on Morwell Avenue, including improved lighting and pedestrian crossings
- A large underground water retention system beneath the Morwell Avenue car park to improve local drainage
- Accessible parking spaces that meet current standards
We thank residents and local traders for their patience and valuable input throughout the construction of Watsonia Town Square.
Watsonia Town Square celebration
Join us to celebrate the completion of the Watsonia Town Square Project with live music and family fun on Saturday 14 March
Watsonia Town Square revealed
Image 1 of 4
Delivery stages
Project delivery stages
Design renders
Background
About the project
In 2014 we worked with the local community and stakeholders to create the Picture Watsonia Vision, which described the community’s aspirations for the centre over the next 35 years and detailed several opportunities, including the creation of an active and vibrant town square.
This was further supported by the development of the Watsonia Neighbourhood Concept Plan in 2019, a partnership between Council and the State Government to respond to the impacts and opportunities associated with the North East Link Project.
We know that Watsonia will be significantly impacted over the next few years, but with all the planned changes and this significant investment, we are excited by the opportunity to create an even better place for people to shop and enjoy.
We have now secured funding to help achieve the community’s aspirations, finalised the design and commenced the process of engaging with contractors to build Watsonia Town Square.
Community Reference Group
An Expression of Interest process was carried out to recruit community members for the Watsonia Town Square Community Reference Group (WTSCRG).
Fifteen places were filled, representing a broad cross section of the community.
Membership categories included:
- Watsonia Traders Association
- Watsonia RSL
- Watsonia business person
- Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service
- Watsonia Neighbourhood House
- Local church
- Local interest group
- Local property owner
- Local resident
- Local young person (under 25 years of age)
The Community Reference Group met during the development stage of the project and meetings were chaired by
Cr. Mark Di Pasquale.
Community engagement
There were three stages where the community could get involved.
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.
Design principles
Guiding principles
The initial stage of consultation with the community reference group led to the formation of design principles which guided the development of several concept design options.
-
-
Access
Ensure pedestrian and cyclist priority, safety and inclusive accessibility and experience for users of all abilities.
-
Economic Growth
Promote economic growth using unique and innovative designs that encourage increased footfall and patronage of local businesses.
-
Local Identity
Create a civic and cultural heart that is welcoming and memorable. Highlight and embrace existing sites, strengths and attractions.
-
Amenities
Provide better and safer amenities that are respected and valued by the community.
-
Flexible Spaces
Explore opportunities to create additional public spaces and flexible and multi-use areas. Potential integration of monopoles.
-
Community
Encourage community congregation and activity through further development of Watsonia's local identity and creating innovative spaces.
-
Sustainability
Enhance and protect surrounding ecology with sustainable practices and greening.
* Images are for illustrative purposes only and are not the property of Banyule Council.
