By Tate Papworth
A new Main Street and local roads are part of a major overhaul to better connect Keilor Downs with the community.
Brimbank council’s ambitious vision for the Keilor Downs Activity Centre includes turning the existing through road, which connects Roberts Road to Copernicus Way, into a Main Street.
It hopes to unlock potential development sites and create a vibrant pedestrian and cycling-friendly environment.
The council said developement of the area had until now been “ad hoc”.
“Keilor Downs activity centre has much to offer – including shopping, leisure and community centres, a playground and skate park – yet many of these wonderful features are disconnected,” Brimbank mayor Margaret Giudice said.
“Council’s vision is to improve connections … particularly for people who are on foot or cycling, to help create a popular and inviting neighbourhood activity centre with vibrant streets and public spaces.”
The council says the precinct has many elements that could help make it successful, but there are presently large tracts of under-utilised land and “nodes of activity that operate in isolation”.
The draft Keilor Downs Urban Design Framework which will guide future development focuses heavily on the revitalisation of the centre, including improvements to the surrounding landscape and public spaces.
The council plans to significantly upgrade the St Albans Leisure Centre, fronting Roberts Road and is lobbying the state and federal government for a $25 million commitment to the $50 million plan.
Cr Giudice said the draft plan for the activity centre would provide a complete picture for the area. “The framework calls for high-quality cycling and walking connections that will
tie into the future Health and Wellbeing
Hub on the St Albans Leisure Centre site,” she said.
To view the draft plan and provide feedback visit brimbank.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay
Submissions close on November 14.
