It’s nearly over

By Lia Bichel
THE final stages of the $20 million Lonsdale Street works are about to begin.
VicUrban’s Development Director Michael King said the works were “progressing well” and expected to be complete in early 2011.
It is part of the $290 million Revitalising Central Dandenong project, which is being delivered by VicUrban and the City of Greater Dandenong.
“Lonsdale Street is fast becoming a place that we can all be proud of,” he said.
“To date, almost 80 per cent of the works to transform Lonsdale Street into one of Melbourne’s great boulevards are complete, with a further 10 per cent due for completion by the end of this year. The remaining works on the western side of Lonsdale Street, between Walker and Foster streets, will be completed in early 2011.
“By completing a small section of the works in 2011 we will assist traders and shoppers by reinstating most of Lonsdale Street’s car parking and minimising construction activity during the busy Christmas period.”
Completed works have seen shoppers enjoy granite paved and wider footpaths, significantly improved lighting, greening Pin Oak trees and bicycle stands between Clow and Langhorne streets.
More than 100 Pin Oak trees have been planted along Lonsdale Street and another 165 will be planted.
When the works are complete, Lonsdale Street will feature approximately 260 carriageway, service lane and footpath lights, compared to approximately 60 before the upgrades began.
“Running down the centre of Lonsdale Street are more than 60 feature light poles which will be operational when works are complete,” Mr King said.
“Landscape-designed seating will soon line Lonsdale Street adjacent to the service lanes, with the first granite seats currently being installed between Walker and Scott streets.”
Mr King said 50 car spaces between Walker and Scott streets would be available in mid-October.