We're working to improve Victoria Street in Brunswick, both in its function as a route to travel, and as a destination for businesses, parks, sporting facilities, and more. This is our first project in our new Streets for People program.

The project will be delivered in 2 stages, with the section between Pearson Street and the Upfield Shared User Path to be delivered first, and the section east of the railway line delivered in future financial years.

Construction timelines are still yet to be determined. We will be in touch with the local community prior to any works.

What we're doing

Victoria Street in Brunswick is one of Merri-bek’s major local roads, and is an important route for travel around Merri-bek for virtually all road users. It provides access to employment, parklands, shopping, and other public transport networks.

However, the current design of the street makes it difficult for people to walk or ride bikes.

We’re working to improve this important street by designing safer bike lanes, increasing greenery in the area, improving bus stop facilities, and creating a safer on-road environment for all road users.

Why we're doing this

This project was initially identified as an important network improvement in our 10 year capital works program for walking and cycling following 2 rounds of community engagement, completed in 2022.

In 2023, we heard from our community about the difficulties using this street and the need for protected bike lanes as part of the community engagement for the 2023/2024 Council Budget.

Following the strong community advocacy campaign, Council resolved to bring forward work on the development of these concept designs to the 2023/2024 financial year.

Previous consultation

In April and May 2024, we’ve released 2 concept designs to make these improvements to Victoria Street, between Pearson Street and Sydney Road.

These were plans with our ideas for the street, and indicative of what the development may look like, not final designs. We then asked community members to provide feedback on these concepts through a survey.

Endorsed concept

At the Council Meeting on Wednesday 12 June, Council endorsed a preferred concept to progress for detailed design and construction on the Victoria Street, Brunswick Streets for People project.

Concept 1 was chosen as the preferred design, based on community feedback. The design features one-way, protected bike lanes on both sides of the street and increased greening and tree planting opportunities.

Of the 2 concept designs that we asked the community for feedback on, Concept 1 received stronger community support. 77 per cent of the 307 people who completed the survey providing positive feedback on the design.

The design is also more user-friendly for bike riders and other road users, has less impact on parking, and requires less complex works to install.