A report on the Footscray River Edge Master Plan to last week’s council meeting detailed plans for a range of projects, including the skate park, a wetlands walking trail and a major new boardwalk.
“The proposed 2015-16 Footscray Master Plan Implementation actions will deliver a range of improvements along the Maribyrnong River and prepare further detailed design for subsequent elements of the Master Plan,” the report found.
“The concept for the Hopkins Street bridge provides a recreation space to transform the unwelcoming area under the bridge into an appealing environment for all ages.”
The council’s 2015-16 budget has allocated $800,000 towards works on the plan.
Projects include walking paths through the Newell’s Paddock wetland area ($300,000), detailed design of the new promenade and boardwalk ($100,000), filling in the disused railway line alongside Footscray Community Arts Centre with lawn ($100,000), new tree planting from the Joseph Road precinct to Ballarat Road ($100,000), renewal of seating, bins and signs along river ($100,000) and detailed design of the Hopkins bridge recreation space ($50,000).
The report noted the promenade and boardwalk along the river edge was the major feature of the plan. Investigations and design work will include soil contamination testing, flood modelling and a cultural heritage assessment.
A draft design for the space beneath the Hopkins Street bridge includes a skate park and climbing wall, with a more detailed design to be completed after community consultation.
The council will seek funding from VicRoads to offset the expected impact of widening Shepherd bridge as part of the WestGate Distributor project.
