New public art for Were Street Reserve
Artist call out for public art and mural comissions
Detail of artwork by Barbara Torma
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 is upgrading the streetscape, public toilets and open spaces.
During 2020, 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 proposed works will improve the everyday functionality of the space, create more character, improve accessibility and maximise the amount of space available to public realm.
What is being delivered and when
The Were Street project will deliver significant improvements to the streetscape, Were Street Reserve and public toilets while retaining the Monty Village feel. It’s an exciting time for the Village and we are looking forward to delivering this project for the community.
The scope of works include:
- Were Street streetscape
- Were Street Reserve
- Were Street public toilets
Construction of Were Street Reserve and the streetscape started late March 2022 and is expected to be completed by March 2023.
In order to minimise disruptions for traders and the community, the project will be delivered in stages.
Businesses will remain open and parking and pedestrian access available.
Please note: timeframes may vary to meet Level Crossing Authority works and supply chain issues.
Streetscape
Streetscape improvements include:
- 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 Reserve
Were Street Reserve improvements include:
- 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
Public toilets
Public toilets improvements include:
- accessible toilets and baby change facilities
- relocation of toilets to the east side of reserve
- gender neutral facilities
- new design to compliment the area