Inglewood Streetscape Project

Inglewood proposed streetscape .png

Project Background

In 2015/16, the Loddon Shire Council approached the Inglewood community via surveys and discussions regarding what they would like to see in a rejuvenated Brooke Street. The outcome of those surveys, together with input from Outlines Landscape Architects, resulted in a Master Streetscape Plan for Inglewood being presented to the Loddon Shire Council in 2016.

While the Inglewood Development and Tourism Committee (IDTC) was collating community feedback for the 2021-2031 Community Planning Framework, it was clear that beautifying Brooke Street was the number one priority for most residents, providing Inglewood does not lose its authenticity of a 19th century gold mining town, its architectural history and its unique double storey buildings. The IDTC decided to revisit the Streetscape Plan to see if it was still relevant five years later; whether it captured all the feedback from the community during 2021 survey.

2021 The IDTC approached Outlines Landscape Architects (the Landscape Architects that produced the original Streetscape Master Plan) to review and update their 2016 Masterplan with some updated information and cost estimates.

A working group made up of IDTC committee members have met on several occasions to go through various aspects of the original Streetscape Master Plan; review/align with the goals set out in the 2021-2031 Community Planning Framework; as well as reach out to the local businesses and residential community for further input.

Project Scope

The scope of this project encompasses several key elements. It involves conducting a comprehensive site analysis to gain a deep understanding of the local needs and aspirations. This analysis is complemented by engaging with stakeholders, including the community, to gather their input and ensure that their perspectives are taken into account throughout the project.

Additionally, the project aims to create comprehensive documentation that addresses all project objectives, ensuring clarity and alignment with the desired outcomes.

It involves collaborating with local artists and cultural experts to authentically integrate public art and First Nations elements into the streetscape design, adding a unique cultural dimension to the project.

Sustainability and practicality are essential, and the project seeks to implement design solutions that not only enhance the functionality of the streetscape but also contribute to its long-term viability.

The role of the project and its ability to support business performance and viability must be considered and included as a design consideration.

To manage the project efficiently and minimize disruptions to the community, a staged project implementation approach will be employed. This allows for a systematic and manageable construction process, ensuring a smoother project execution while maintaining community convenience.

Project Objectives

Beautification: Transform the streetscape into an inviting, visually pleasing environment that reflects the unique character and history of Inglewood.

Infrastructure Upgrades: Upgrade kerb and channel systems, enhancing drainage and accessibility while maintaining historical architectural elements. Develop pedestrian-friendly footpaths that promote safe movement and accessibility for all residents and visitors

Greening Initiatives: Integrate landscaping and urban greening strategies, incorporating plantings to improve air quality, biodiversity, and aesthetics.

Traffic Calming: Implement traffic calming measures to reduce vehicular speed and enhance pedestrian safety, encouraging alternative modes of transportation.

Pedestrian Safety: Enhance pedestrian crossings and signage to prioritize pedestrian safety and encourage walking within the town.

Overall Amenity: Create functional gathering spaces, seating areas, and resting points, contributing to the overall comfort and enjoyment of the streetscape.

Place-Making: Develop spaces that foster a sense of identity and community, where residents and visitors can connect and engage in cultural and social activities. Enhance existing heritage walking trail. The design should support intuitive stopping points, car parking and pedestrian access to main street, as well as activation of and connection to key anchor points such as the Town Hall precinct and the service station site at the eastern entrance to the town.

Public Art: Integrate artistic installations that tell the story of Inglewood's history, culture, and aspirations, creating points of interest and visual engagement.

First Nations Recognition: Incorporate design elements that acknowledge and celebrate the First Nations people and their connection to the land, integrating cultural significance into the streetscape.

Project Deliverables

Generally: The upgraded streetscape will be is visually pleasing, inviting, and reflective of Inglewood's unique character and history.

Infrastructure Upgrades: Upgraded kerb and channel systems that enhance drainage and accessibility while preserving historical architectural elements. Developed pedestrian-friendly footpaths that promote safe movement and accessibility for all residents and visitors.

Greening Initiatives: Integrated landscaping and urban greening strategies with plantings to improve air quality, biodiversity, and the overall aesthetics of the streetscape.

Traffic Calming: Implemented traffic calming measures to reduce vehicular speed and enhance pedestrian safety, encouraging alternative modes of transportation.

Pedestrian Safety: Enhanced pedestrian crossings and signage to prioritize pedestrian safety and encourage walking within the town.

Overall Amenity: Creation of functional gathering spaces, seating areas, and resting points contributing to the overall comfort and enjoyment of the streetscape.

Land Holder Improvement Plan: Implemented improvements that benefit local landholders and enhance the streetscape.

Place-Making: Developed spaces that foster a sense of identity and community, where residents and visitors can connect and engage in cultural and social activities.

Enhance Existing Heritage Walking Trail: Improved and enhanced the existing heritage walking trail to further highlight the town's historical and cultural significance.

Public Art: Integrated artistic installations that tell the story of Inglewood's history, culture, and aspirations, creating points of interest and visual engagement.

First Nations Recognition: Incorporation of design elements that acknowledge and celebrate the First Nations people and their connection to the land, integrating cultural significance into the streetscape.

Q & A

When will construction works commence?

In early 2024 Councillors approved an allocation of funds to allow the project to commence its initial phase to survey the project site, locate services, generate a landscape design, establish a Community Advisory Group and prepare government grant applications to fund future project stages, including construction and works programs. Council’s project team is not in a position to provide any further details at this time, but expects Government funding applications will commence in 2025.

Who are the members of the Community Advisory Group?

The Community Advisory Group members are being confirmed this week. Members represent key businesses located within the project scope area, as well as the Inglewood Tourism and Development Committee, Inglewood Community Neighbourhood House, Inglewood and Districts Health Service and the Inglewood Town Hall Hub Community Asset Committee. The Community Advisory Group will be Chaired by the Inglewood Ward Councillor.