Brunswick's smartest streetscape (Media release)

Hundreds of Merri-bekers and Melburnians travel along Brunswick’s Dawson Street every day.

With summer now just around the corner, commuters will now be able to enjoy a shadier and safer street, with key works on the streetscape now complete.

Located between Sydney Road and the Upfield Rail Line, the area is now home to 16 new trees, over 20 shiny new bicycle hoops and three rain gardens.

The busy area links people to a number of community facilities, including the Brunswick Baths, Brunswick Library and the Brunswick Town Hall. RMIT University is also just down the street.

Earmarked for an upgrade in Merri-bek City Council’s Brunswick Structure Plan – a long-term map that’s helping Brunswick’s streets and parks to become more people friendly – construction began in January this year.

The works are a key project of Brunswick’s Civic and Cultural Precinct, and will be followed by future projects in the area, including the Town Hall Forecourt and The Mechanics Institute Forecourt.

Council put $1.4 million behind the project, which included a $75,000 grant from Melbourne Water.

Moreland Mayor Cr Helen Davidson says special rain gardens were installed as part of the upgrade, which will clean the water they collect before it runs back into natural waterways, like the Merri Creek.

“It’s estimated that the gardens will filter a huge 80% of pollutants, like litter and petrol, from any run-off,” said Cr Davidson.

“You may notice litter collected in the rain gardens, which is normal and means the rain gardens are serving their purpose to keep pollutants out of our waterways.”

Pedestrian and cyclist safety were key to the project from the very beginning.

“Wider bluestone footpaths, and a pedestrian crossing upgrade at the busy intersection where Dawson Street meets the Upfield Bike Path, are two key improvements for the community,” said Cr Davidson.

“Local and visiting cyclists can now enjoy the benefits of bike lane extensions and improved bike parking, which were included to encourage sustainable travel within the area and to enable more Merri-bekers to stay active.”

A series of whimsical and inspiring quotes from well-known authors have also been engraved in the pavers that lead to the Library.

To find out more visit the Dawson Streetscape Project.

23 October 2017