Federal Government funding for Glen Waverley Forecourt Activation

Published on 22 June 2021

Monash Council welcomes $200,000 in Federal Government funding towards the completion of the Glen Waverley library forecourt activation upgrade works. Stage 1 of the project was delivered in 2018/2019.

Council has been successful in obtaining funding through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communication’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. The project will also be supported by Council's Major Activity Centre Program.

Stage 2 of the project includes:

• Completion of the shared zone pedestrian safety works at the Right of Way off the Bogong/Kingsway roundabout
• New feature planting at the Bogong/Kingsway roundabout
• New grass mound, plantings and furniture in the library forecourt.

As well as the creation of a shared zone, safety works will include the removal of bollards that line the Right of Way, installation of alternative traffic access prevention measures and construction of new concrete speed humps to enhance access to and from the forecourt and reinforce it as a pedestrian-friendly environment.

The Glen Waverley Activity Centre is one of Monash's most thriving restaurant and business centres with Kingsway at the heart of night-time activity in the precinct.

Crossing the Right of Way is the primary route for foot traffic from Kingsway to the library, Civic Centre and Civic Centre car park.  Access to Century City Walk is also available from the forecourt.

To enable safer pedestrian traffic to and from the forecourt area, Council sought approval from the Department of Transport to designate the Right of Way (laneway) as a shared zone (10kph). This was approved and the important pedestrian connection is now a pedestrian priority space with low traffic speeds.

An independent road safety audit, which had regard to hostile vehicles, was undertaken to advise layout options for a safe and effective treatment of the shared space.

Monash Mayor Brian Little said the project would help increase pedestrian safety in this busy precinct.

“Changing the Right of Way to a shared zone makes pedestrians the more dominant users of the area,” Cr Little said.

“The project will result in safer and improved pedestrian links and enhanced activity and meeting spaces.”

It is planned for the works to be completed by the end of the year. Council will work with local traders, businesses and the community to provide updates and to inform them of the project and the timeline of construction.

Media Contact: Jo Robertson 0418 391 979 or Joanne.Robertson@monash.vic.gov.au