Road rehabilitation and improvement works are about to start on Blacksmiths Way, Belgrave.

The project, recently identified through community consultation, will significantly improve the laneway for businesses, residents and visitors. The works are jointly funded by Council and grant funding from Sustainability Victoria.

The current works include:

Important information for businesses and local traders

To carry out works, the road reserve of Blacksmiths Way will need to be clear of all obstructions. All bins and any other items currently in the road reserve, overhanging the road reserve or within 50cm of the concrete drain [on the shop side of the laneway] will need to be relocated onto properties.

Private garbage and recycling collections can occur as usual, if the collection times fall outside construction working hours [7.30 am to 4.30 pm weekdays]. If usual collection times fall within the construction working hours, arrangements must be made to organise alternative collection times that do not fall within the construction working hours timeframes.

Council garbage and recycling collections will occur as usual.

Please be aware that while we will make every attempt to keep disruptions to a minimum, due to the nature and extent of the works, there are likely to be some disruptions to access and traffic flow during normal construction working hours [7.30 am to 4.30 pm weekdays].

Due to the restrictions of the road environment, it is likely that lengthy delays will be experienced during the periods of the construction works.

We're developing a Landscape Masterplan for Blacksmiths Way, funded in partnership with the State Government, as part of the Sustainable Infrastructure Fund initiative.

The masterplan will identify issues with the public open space and provide a range of design solutions to improve it.

The plan will include improving the functionality of the laneway as a service area, increasing connectivity to the train station,

improving safety in the space, and identify other opportunities to activate the space.

What we've heard so far

We recently consulted to find out more about the issues and opportunities in Blacksmith Way. The feedback is presented in the maps below.

General issues

We also heard:

• Car parking obstructs viewing of artworks and passage.
• Blacksmiths Way is not inclusive for all users
• Bins are stored in the laneway
• The back of buildings do not fully take advantage of access to the laneway
• Drainage issues occur during high rain events
• Space is not designed for pedestrians and cyclist
• No signage at the station
• Damaged or dilapidated fence along railway boundary
• Lack of lighting along laneway

General opportunities

We also heard:

• Shared zone laneway with the potential for car free weekends
• Promote street art, festivals and markets
• Improve bin storage
• Provide lighting, seating and bins
• Promote water sensitive urban design initiatives
• Provide areas of planting
• Resurface the road
• Activate the back of the building, encouraging traders to open their business to the lane too