Future of the Bunbury Street Precinct
- Project typeBunbury Streetscape - Stage 1
- Project value$900,000
- Project scheduleSeptember to December 2026
Bunbury Street stage one upgrades will take place from September.
Bunbury Street is a vital heritage avenue within Footscray Activity Centre, connecting Footscray Station, the Maribyrnong River and the arts precinct. As the surrounding precinct is growing, the street is experiencing more pedestrian, cycling and vehicle activity, while some of its ageing avenue of trees are in decline.
Council will begin delivering the endorsed (July 2023) Bunbury Street Streetscape Improvement Plan this year to make the street safer, greener and more comfortable, while retaining its proud heritage character.
Planned works aim to improve footpaths and crossings, upgrade drainage and lighting, and renew the street’s unique tree canopy through new avenue planting.
Stage one works
We are planning to start the first stage of street upgrades in September 2026, including:
- reconstructed footpath on the north side
- kerb extensions, flat top crossings and new landscaping at Cowper and Bunbury intersection
- kerb and channel repairs along the street and general road drainage improvements
- new avenue tree plantings (approximately 50 new trees)
- small tree planting at the edge of the footpaths
- First Nations pavement artwork in key locations
Tree removals
To enable these works and to manage tree health and safety, some tree removals are required.
Two trees must be removed because arborist assessments have identified poor health and end-of-life condition.
Three additional small infill trees have been identified for potential removal because they do not align with the endorsed long-term avenue planting design. Council is seeking community feedback on the removal of these three trees.
Resident feedback, arborist advice, design considerations and construction requirements will be considered before a final decision made.
Trees requiring removal, between Cowper and Whitehall Streets
Trees proposed for removal, between Hyde and Cowper Streets
New tree planting
We will be planting 46 new trees as part of stage one works.
Council has identified two tree species that align with the heritage significance of Bunbury Street, while also being tolerant to the current and future climate of the area.
We are proposing to plant a mix of Sawtooth Oak (Quercus Acutissima) and Algerian Oak (Quercus Canariensis). Select image below to enlarge.
We are keen to also understand if residents prefer a particular species or are supportive of a mix of these species being planted.
Share your thoughts
To share your thoughts on the tree removals and tree species preference, complete the online survey by 26 August.
Complete the online survey
What's next
Council will review all resident feedback alongside technical advice and requirements before making a final decision about the three proposed tree removals. We will also review the feedback on the preferred tree species for the street.
We will update residents on the final decisions following review, and provide an update before works begin in late September.
Frequently asked questions
View our Frequently Asked Questions page about the Bunbury Street works.
More information
For further information please visit Your City our Voice or contact the City Design Team on 9688 0200.
Location
Bunbury Street, Footscray 3011 View Map
-37.8032082,144.9052139
Bunbury Street ,
Footscray 3011
Bunbury Street ,
Footscray 3011
Future of the Bunbury Street Precinct