Works set to begin on Cheltenham's new community space
Works are set to begin on a new community green space linking Cheltenham's retail precinct with the new train station and Cheltenham Park.
Demolition of two shops on Charman Road will start this month to create an attractive new open space as part of the transformation of Cheltenham through the Level Crossing Removal Project.
Kingston Mayor Georgina Oxley said Council has partnered with the Level Crossing Removal Project to upgrade and make the most of this once-in-a-generation infrastructure project.
"Council has invested in the project to deliver a great outcome for our community that will provide attractive open space and better links to the station and Cheltenham Park," Cr Oxley said.
"This is a unique chance to ensure the best possible outcome for the community and begin to bring to life a new vision for Cheltenham that the community helped develop during the Cheltenham Structure Plan Review in 2017."
"Council has worked in partnership with the Victorian Government to contribute further funding to obtain some fantastic upgrades for our community."
Council's investment to the Level Crossing Removal projects included:
- Purchase of 245 and 247 Charman Road in 2018, and the leaseholds in 2020, for a combined $2.4 million.
- $2 million contribution to extend the decking at both Cheltenham and Mentone across the rail trench to provide much-needed public space in the heart of the retail centres including an expansion of the historic Mentone Station Gardens and a broader connection to Cheltenham Park.
- $1.7million contribution to construct the new green open space area which begins to bring to life a key part of Council's vision for the Cheltenham centre. This was developed following extensive community consultation in 2017 to update the Cheltenham Structure Plan in preparation for the Level Crossing Removal project.
- $900,000 contribution in 2019 to increase parking provided for shoppers and visitors to Cheltenham's retail centre with 30 extra spaces in the multi-storey carpark to be built next to Cheltenham station.
"We want to boost the area by creating an attractive, safe and well-designed community green space that supports our local traders and residents, links to the new Cheltenham Train Station now being built and opens up the area to Cheltenham Park," Cr Oxley said.
"We now look forward to continuing to work with the State Government on additional opportunities presented through the crossing removals at Edithvale, Bonbeach and Chelsea".
