We’ve reached a big milestone with the Town Square construction! Watsonia Road has re-opened to traffic in both directions, making it easier to get around the shopping precinct. In more good news, some program changes may allow parts of the Morwell Avenue carpark to also be opened ahead of schedule.

We appreciate your patience with the temporary disruption as we complete the infrastructure stage of the Town Square. We’re excited about what we are creating in Watsonia and we think you’re going to love it too.

What’s in the new Town Square

You may have seen some recent misinformation circulating that the Town Square will include a “skatepark”. This is incorrect.

The Town Square will be a safe and welcoming open space for families. Features will include children’s play spaces, seating, a new toilet block and landscaping. New paths will create safer and better connections between the shopping area, library and train station. There will be a small active space with low form structures that will be safe for children to use wheeled toys. It's a multi-purpose area and not a skate park or bowl.

The Town Square design is based on the direct feedback we received from the community when we asked what they wanted and we've had a very positive response to the plans.

Works over the next four weeks

New intersection: Through March and April we will continue setting up the T-intersection with Morwell Avenue and getting the infrastructure in place for the new traffic signals. The new intersection will allow better pedestrian and vehicle movement, along with creating open spaces for the community to enjoy.

Corner of Morwell Ave and Watsonia Rd: in four weeks this corner will be refreshed with new kerbs and footpath surfaces.

Power pole removal: one power pole on the shop side of Watsonia Rd and one in Morwell Avenue will be removed to make way for future paths and landscaping.

Morwell Avenue traffic flow

Traffic will continue to move in a clockwise circuit around Morwell Avenue. The direction of travel is one way down the RSL side towards Watsonia Road and then on the opposite side moving one way uphill towards High Street. Access is via High Street while works are occurring at Watsonia Rd.

Morwell Avenue carpark

Works continue, including substantial drainage and utility infrastructure. A lot has to happen below ground level before you’ll see visible changes in this part of the Town Square.

Parking

• The top section of the Morwell Avenue carpark will open by Anzac Day with access from High Street (until the whole carpark is completed).
• The temporary carpark adjacent to the transmission tower at the top of Morwell Avenue (entry from Morwell Avenue) will still be available through March and April.
• There is angle parking opposite the RSL-side of Morwell Avenue between Watsonia Rd and High St.
• Parking inspectors are patrolling the timed parking areas as usual to make sure everyone gets a fair go at using parking spaces.

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

Please keep supporting the local businesses you know and love while we create the new Town Square.