By Tate Papworth
Recent upgrades to Princess Street, St Albans have put Brimbank council in line for a coveted award.
The council has been shortlisted for an Australian Urban Design Award in the built projects – local and neighbourhood scale, category.
The transformation of Princess Street includes the first shared user zone in Brimbank, creating a pedestrian-focused link between the St Albans train station, the nearby Errington precinct and the Bowery Theatre.
It also includes improved safety, more trees, feature lighting, garden beds and seating.
Mayor Lucinda Congreve said the nomination was a major achievement.
“The transformation of Princess Street into a bold new public space has created a fun, lively atmosphere where people feel safe and comfortable getting around or meeting up with friends,” she said.
“Council’s vision is for Brimbank to be vibrant, harmonious and welcoming – and a great place to live, work and grow.
“Creating high quality, attractive public spaces is one of the key ways we’re working to achieve this vision.”
The $1.75 million upgrade was funded by the Brimbank council ($925,000) in partnership with the Victorian government’s Community Crime Prevention Program ($250,000).
Award winners will be announced on October 30 in Melbourne.