Were Street Reserve - public art

Artwork credit: Ulla Taylor

Background

Were Street Montmorency is a much-loved village that includes a vibrant mix of local businesses, a train station (at the northern end) and Montmorency Primary School (to the south).

To keep Were Street a popular, accessible, safe, flexible and sustainable place, Council in partnership with the Victorian Government upgraded the streetscape, public toilets and open spaces.

We spoke with the community and traders about what they love about Montmorency and what needed to change. Many people provided feedback to help inform the development of a vision for Were Street and we got a great picture of how important Were Street is to the local community.

Read the consultation findings report for all the details on how we consulted and what feedback was received.

The works have improve the everyday functionality of the space, create more character, improve accessibility and maximise the amount of space available to public realm.

What was delivered

The Were Street project delivered significant improvements to the streetscape, Were Street Reserve and public toilets while retaining the Monty Village feel.

Works included:

  • Were Street streetscape
  • Were Street Reserve
  • Were Street public toilets

Construction of Were Street Reserve and the streetscape started late March 2022 and were completed in 2023.

Streetscape

Streetscape improvements included:

  • new asphalt and feature paving to all pedestrian paths
  • levelled paths
  • safer pedestrian crossings
  • increased outdoor dining and improved accessibility
  • new street furniture (including seating and bins)
  • new garden beds and trees (while retaining mature trees)
  • more accessible parking
  • raised pedestrian crossings
  • refurbished shade structures
  • new permeable paving to improve the health of trees and waterways
Were Street project concept plan
Were Street streetscape dining render
Were Street streetscape improvements
Were Street concept plan
The full selection of Were Street Streetscape Concept designs are also available in the project document library.

Were Street Reserve

Were Street Reserve improvements included:

  • a new covered performance stage
  • feature paving and accessible pedestrian pathways
  • new lighting
  • new plantings
  • new street furniture (including seating and bins)
  • a drink fountain
  • accessible parking
  • street art
  • a nature play area
Were Street Reserve concept plan
Were Street Reserve render
The full selection of Were Street Streetscape Concept designs are also available in the project document library.

Public toilets

Public toilets improvements included:

  • accessible toilets and baby change facilities
  • relocation of toilets to the east side of reserve
  • gender neutral facilities
  • new design to compliment the area
Were Stret Reserve concept design
The full selection of Were Street Streetscape Concept designs are also available in the project document library.