Saxon Lane, Brunswick - Public space upgrade

Project Update

Construction works are now complete. Thank you for your patience during construction.

Project background

Council undetook upgrade to the closed road section of Saxon Street, next to the Brunswick Library. As part of the Brunswick Civic and Cultural Precinct, the aim of the project was to improve the pedestrian environment and connectivity of Saxon Street, and create an attractive and useable community space.

Key improvements are:

• A new side entrance from Brunswick Library;
• New surfacing;
• Landscaping, including large canopy trees and garden beds;
• New street furniture - seats, small stage, drinking fountain; and
• Informal space for community use.

A large part of the project involved directing water underground from the library roofs to benefit the planted areas, reduce runoff down the street, and also work around the many underground services that exist on the site.

Budget and timelines

• Budget: $350,000 (design and construction of Saxon Street and Library entrance)
• Construction completion: October 2018

Major stages

Consultation - complete

Consultation events initially took place on site in late 2015 to early 2016 (led by Co-Design) that informed Council of community visions for the space. This feedback was used to develop a draft Saxon Street Concept Design. On 12 December 2017 Council held a community drop-in session to coincide with a mailout seeking feedback on a proposed Saxon Street Concept Design (PDF 940Kb).

Library door construction - complete

A side entrance to the Brunswick Library was completed in April 2018. This provides direct access to the upgraded public space as an alternative to the main library entrance, and also provides a direct route through the library to Town Hall. The new doorway was open to use in July 2018, following completion of the public space upgrade.

Tendering - complete

Feedback on the Council design draft was used in early 2018 to create a revised concept plan for tender, with a documentation design package created that considered Council requirements, the available budget, limitations of the site (underground services, accessibility etc) and the needs of the community.

Public tender for construction was advertised in April 2017 for the construction of Saxon Street.

Construction - complete

Construction commenced the week of 21 May 2018, with an anticipated construction time of 8 to 10 weeks. During this time there was minimal impact on vehicle traffic movement near the site, although the proposed works site was closed to through pedestrian traffic during the construction period.

Further information

If you have any queries regarding the project, contact Council’s Urban Design Unit at email Urban Design.