Eaton Mall makeover complete

Published on 12 March 2013

An enthusiastic crowd braved the ninth day of Melbourne's heat wave to celebrate the completion of a $2.75 million upgrade of Eaton Mall in Oakleigh today.

Monash Mayor Micaela Drieberg joined the Minister for Multicultural Affairs & Citizenship the Hon. Nick Kotsiras, State Member for Oakleigh Ann Barker, Councillors Bill Pontikis and Theo Zographos and Oakleigh Traders Association President Vince Marzaile to unveil a plaque commemorating the works.

Cr Drieberg said the mall had been made safer and more stylish, praising the subtle Mediterranean features such as stenciled olive and fig leaves on the seats.

"This mall has now undergone a complete makeover which was needed as some of its infrastructure was more than 30 years old," Cr Drieberg said.

"We've introduced sustainably-harvested timber street furniture, striking sculptural pieces and energy efficient lighting."

Cr Drieberg said the mall had proved very popular on recent hot nights, with people enjoying the social atmosphere.

"It's great to see people enjoying what has been created," she said. "The more people who visit, the more local business will benefit and that secures local jobs into the future."

Minister Kotsiras described Oakleigh as the "multicultural heart of Melbourne", attracting a thriving diverse population. He congratulated Monash Council for its vision and project leadership over the past three years.

The $2.2 million second stage of the Eaton Mall upgrade began in July 2012. The Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship contributed $1 million, Monash Council provided $900,000 and the Department of Planning & Community Development gave $300,000. Melbourne Water contributed $80,000 to support the water sensitive initiatives of the project.