Changes from 6 January

We’re commenced the last construction stage of Watsonia Town Square and are expect to be finished by mid-2025, as planned.

In the second week of January, we’ll begin work on the area next to the Watsonia library, which will involve the closure of the library carpark. This area will be transformed with a new playground, landscaping and a new, accessible toilet block.

Library access

You will still be able to get into the library the same way. The current entrances will remain open and alternative access will be arranged if necessary during construction. Footpath access around the side of the library and towards the station will remain.

Car park closure

The car park closest to the library will close permanently from 6 January. It will become a green and welcoming community space.

The car park section closest to the old toilet block will close temporarily from 6 January but will re-open when the Town Square is finished.

Trees and landscaping

As part of the work, we unfortunately need to remove some trees on the Town Square site. We’ll add more trees and other plants when the weather gets cooler, to give them a better chance to grow.

We’ve come so far

Last year we completed most of the big infrastructure for the Town Square, including:

• Removing two roundabouts on Watsonia Road and High Street
• Reconstructing the central car park on Morwell Avenue
• Installing a large water retention system under the Morwell Avenue carpark to improve local drainage
• Building a new shared user path (to connect through to the station) and an arbour for shade
• A raised pedestrian crossings at High Street and Watsonia Road, including pedestrian lights at Watsonia Road (to be activated in coming months)
• Disabled parking spaces that meet current standards
• We’re also keeping the angle parking along Watsonia Road and creating eight new spaces

It’s a lot of work! We know that it was disruptive and inconvenient at times. Along the way, we’ve listened and acted on your concerns, like the change to Watsonia Road parking, and changes to the alignment of the Grace Street intersection.

We appreciate your engagement with the project and your patience while we finish creating this fantastic new asset for the Watsonia community.

Extreme weather can impact on construction plans, but we will keep you informed of any changes.