By CASEY NEILL
STAGE one of a $1 million makeover of Dandenong’s Afghan Bazaar is now complete.
The Thomas Street Streetscape Enhancement Project is designed to improve the area’s cultural identity and make the precinct more user-friendly and social.
Blue highlights throughout the landscaping and timber outdoor seating bring a touch of Afghanistan to the street. The Lamp artwork now sits on the corner of Thomas and Walker streets as a distinctive marker.
The base features blue mosaic tiling to show the high value Afghan people place on traditional arts and culture, and a complex lattice weave on the top section allows light to filter through.
It represents the different cultures and backgrounds of the people who call Australia home and symbolises freedom, peace, love and respect.
The $1.1 million project also includes improved lighting, expanded footpaths, new trees, better links to the new civic square on Lonsdale Street and Dandenong Railway Station and overhead power lines have been removed.
The Afghan Bazaar Cultural Precinct has evolved since it was established in 2000 and today boasts about 20 Afghan shops selling fresh breads, carpets, groceries, fashion, jewellery and Afghan kebabs.
City of Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti said the project recognised the Afghan Bazaar’s status as an emerging cultural precinct in Melbourne.
“The Afghan Bazaar has become a popular attraction for food lovers,” Cr Memeti said.
“But perhaps, more importantly, it has established itself as a social space where community members meet, exchange news and support one another with settlement in Australia.”
“The streetscape design has been a collaborative effort between traders, community leaders and precinct stakeholders and the end result is a vibrant precinct which celebrates the Afghan people.”
The Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship and the City of Greater Dandenong jointly funded stage one of the project.
The council is currently investigating funding options for its second stage, which would include enhancement works throughout the precinct between Scott and Walker streets.
