Designing a vision for Thomastown and Lalor
In early 2021 we asked the community what they love about Thomastown and Lalor and what they see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for these suburbs. Based on feedback received, combined with our own research and analysis of existing plans, policies and strategies and understanding of the area, we have developed a report that outlines the Challenges and Opportunities for Thomastown and Lalor and six proposed principles we think will help us address these:
- Strengthening the public space network
- Celebrating local culture and experiences
- Enhancing movements and connectivity
- Reintroducing a quality natural environment
- Supporting the community to thrive
- Managing urban renewal and character
This is the first step towards developing an Urban Design Framework (UDF) for Thomastown and Lalor. In June/July 2021 we asked the community to let us know if what we have outlined in the document aligns with what our community wants, to check in with community on this foundational work. The feedback we received will directly inform the vision Council develops throgh the UDF for how Thomastown and Lalor will look, feel and function into the future.
Social Map
We asked the community what they loved, and what they'd like to see in Thomastown and Lalor. Check out their contributions on the map below.
What I love What do you love about Thomastown and Lalor?
Changes? What changes or improvements would you like to see?
What is important What are important areas for community and why?
Project Q&A
Do you have a question for us about this project?
Patrick st thomastown needs urgent attention. It doesn't need the same guy arriving and doing nothing about it. We need answers we need to see action. So far there is no action.
Hi John,
This matter has been referred to our Unit Manager Engineering Design & Construction for further investigation. In the meantime please send any further information including photographs of the issues to Engineering.Services@whittlesea.vic.gov.au.
As you approach Mahoneys Rd, from Edgars Rd Thomastown to turn left onto Mahoneys Rd, there is only one left turning lane. During peak our traffic cars that are turning right onto Mahoneys Rd, from Edgars Rd appear to create traffic for cars wanting to turn left. Could an extra left turning lane be added? There appears to be grassland next to Creek and cars appear to have left tyre marks in the mud jumping the curb over the years illegally - this demonstrates this as an issue.
Hi Nick,
Thank you for your question. The intersection you have referred to is the responsibility of VicRoads. VicRoads are looking to undertake some road safety upgrade would (mainly traffic signals) to improve the safety of this intersection due to a number of reported crashes. Please email enquiries@roads.vic.gov.au for DoT/ VicRoads to respond directly.
Could the tree renewal program please be extended to Maxwell st Lalor? The paperbarks under the powerlines have grown so large, that they've had most of their branches cut out and look ridiculous. Regardless they are still hitting the powerlines, I thought the lines would come down outside the vacant blocks during the storm. Many of the nature strips in this street also don't have trees at all. The east end of the street really needs work.
Hi Jae,
Apologies for the delay in our response. The team responsible for Council's Street Tree Renewal Program has added Maxwell Street to the program for next financial year.
hi, will one day Barry road park be fixed? We used to have a lake in the past, instead a pond caused by rain full of bushes!!!! the dog park is unsafe and muddy, the ponds on the side of the kids area are open air dump, swings are missing , wood is rotten, gym completely destroyed. The trees are not enough and the ones we got they are horrible, i never see in my life so many GREY plants, toilets are disgusting . What is going on? What about the taxes that all of us is paying ?
Hi Aldo,
Thank you for your question.
Whittlesea Public Gardens at the end of Barry Road will soon undergo the first stage of construction works. The works will include a new play space with unique play equipment, a learn to ride area, picnic shelters, furniture, barbeques, lighting, and toilet block. Subsequent stages of works will include a new dog off leash area, skate park, fitness equipment, multi-use courts, walking paths, events lawn, and carpark. More information can be found at the project webpage https://engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/whittlesea-public-gardens
Hi i want to know if there’s a possibility of removing the ugly Ausnet towers and relocating cables underground, and created community gardens and landscaping on the land. Ausnet needs to think of smarter ways to deliver power instead of these big ugly things.
Hi Paul,
Thank you for your question and ideas. As part of the development of the project we have been engaging SP Ausnet to understand how we can better integrate the Transmission Easement into the Neighbourhood Character of Thomastown and Lalor. Whilst we can't get rid of the transmission towers, we believe that the land underneath the Transmission Towers can be well designed and utilised for open space (see Epping North and Doreen), or in this instance community gardens. We will provide our ideas as part of the community engagement early in the new year.
Road re surfacing, footpath, nature strip, curbs needs to be urgently re done. Theres sections on pathway in-front of 1 patrick st where there is major trip hazards from truck breaking slab of pathways and has been left broken for more than 6 months.
Hi Jake,
Thank you for your enquiry. As per the message below we will undertaken an inspection of this area.
Would it also be possible to outline your concern in a private message to the SharedMailbox.UrbanDesign@whittlesea.vic.gov.au? That way we can connect you with the right people.
Thanks,
Patrick St, Thomastown needs to be completely redeveloped. New road, footpaths curbs… the lot.
Hi Kem,
Thank you for your enquiry. We will undertaken an inspection of this area.
Would it be possible to outline your concern in a private message to the SharedMailbox.UrbanDesign@whittlesea.vic.gov.au? That way we can connect you with the right people.
Thanks,
High Street, Reservoir appears to have significantly gentrified over the years. As you follow up High St to Thomastown the transmission lines seem to slow down that trend with all of the industrial area in surrounding. With the new Keon Park station proposed, it would be nice to see retail and hospitality shops between Mahoneys Rd / Keon Pde and Station St. Even possibly a shopping centre. Are there plans to alter zoning and allow this to occur?
Hi Nick,
Council will be working very closely with the State Government and the City of Darebin to maximise the impact of the new Keon Park precinct as part the Level Crossing Removal works. This work will likely have an impact on the land uses along High Street (north and south of Keon Parade). In terms of Thomastown we will be looking at ways we can better improve the amenity and commercial/retail offering in this area,
The road surface of High Street between Lalor and Thomastown train stations all the way to Keon Park station need urgent repair as there are many spots of sunken surface. The uneven road surface pose grave danger to drivers.
Hi TeckLow,
Thank you for your enquiry regarding the condition of the road surface of High Street in Lalor and Thomastown. We have referred your enquiry to the Department of Transport (VicRoads) for their information and consideration. This is because High Street is a declared arterial road under the management of the Department of Transport (VicRoads)
Should you wish to discuss this matter directly, the Department of Transport can be contacted on 13 11 71.
I think removing the ugly transmission towers will make thomastown east just as nice as any other part. An area which is as expensive as thomastown and Lalor and close to the city does Not need these ugly line. Install them underground and tunnel them beneath dalton rd also. It will make this area visually appealing and safer
Hi Kemal,
Thank you for your suggestion. We have been engaging SP Ausnet to understand how we can better integrate the Transmission Easement into the Neighbourhood Character of Thomastown and Lalor. The land underneath the Transmission Towers can be well designed and utilised for open space (see Epping North and Doreen) and it is something we can look at to use this space to improve amenity.
