Joseph Road Precinct

Status

The majority of construction works along Joseph Road have now reached practical completion. The design of the structural connection to the Hopkins Street bridge is being finalised with the Department of Transport and Planning. These works are currently planned for construction during June 2025, once the design is approved.

Details

The stage one works involved reconstruction of Joseph Road, between Hopkins Street and the Heavenly Queen Temple. This included separated bike lanes leading to the Maribyrnong River installed along Joseph Road South, a raised pedestrian crossing creating a direct link to the pedestrian mall, creation of 20 parallel parking bays, and tree plantings.

The underground drainage system has been upgraded, integrating a tree pit system along the footpath to ensure the long-term health of the new trees.

To enhance safety and create well-illuminated streets, public lighting has also being upgraded.

The works have delivered enhanced public amenities that will improve safety, accessibility, and visual appeal. 

Status

Council continues to work with the Department of Transport and Planning to address safety concerns and infrastructure upgrades along Hopkins Street. Further information of the project prioritisation and timing will be provided when available.

Council’s draft 2025/26 Capital Expenditure Budget proposes $100,000 to progress the design of infrastructure for the Joseph Road Precinct, consistent with the Developer Contributions Plan, including Hopkins Street north footpath and amenity improvements.

The delivery of improvement works along Hopkins Street are subject to future funding and relevant approvals.

We will continue to provide you the latest information as it becomes available.

As the Joseph Road Precinct improvement works take place, routine cleaning of the area including street cleansing, weed management and regular graffiti removal is being undertaken.

Regular waste management collections are taking place and we continue to monitor illegal parking within the Precinct.

We are currently reviewing current parking arrangements on Warde Street and Neilson Place.

Council is actively working with the owner of the grassed area adjacent the Precinct to remove the informal car parking area that has been created. A resolution is expected within the next few months.

Status

As of 9 August 2024, works are now complete and the new park is available for community use.

Details

The new public park has been constructed in the Joseph Road Precinct, near the corner of Whitehall and Warde Streets.

Named after Margaret (Lilardia) Tucker, one of Australia's earliest and most notable female Aboriginal activists, it covers an area of approximately 1,444 square metres.

The new park provides an area of open space to support informal play and recreation in addition to the nearby Maribyrnong River and Maribyrnong River Trail.

The Lilardia Park Master Plan was informed by community feedback received in March 2018 which included support for passive open space, extensive garden beds and tree planting, seating, sheltered picnic space and fenced edge to the rail line.

An official opening is being planned when a new artwork honouring Aunty Marg will also be unveiled.

If you have any questions throughout the works, please email the Recreation and Open Space team via ros@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Council wrote to the Minister for Roads and Roads Safety in January 2024 advocating for a reduction of the current speed limit of 60km/h on Hopkins Street, Footscray (between Moore Street and the Hopetoun Bridge), resulting in the posted speed limit on Hopkins Street being reduced to 40km/h to address safety concerns in this area.

Council continues to liaise with the Joseph Road Precinct Action Group to identify issues and priorities with infrastructure in the precinct.

We are also working with the Department of Transport and Planning to address safety improvements along Hopkins Street, including design and approvals for new signals planned for the intersection with Hopkins/Hallenstein Street and Hopkins Street/Joseph Rd safety improvements. As these activities progress, we will be in a better position to understand the timing to deliver the projects.

Most properties in the Precinct have planning permission for redevelopment. The timing for these developments to commence is generally driven by the market, with a minimum number of presales required before a developer will obtain funding and start construction.

Council’s Planning Department continues to work with owners of vacant blocks to encourage temporary uses until such time as the substantive development commences.