Camberwell’s Cookson St precinct gets makeover

Cookson St precinct in Camberwell has been revitalised, making it a more pedestrian-friendly space.

The improvement works, carried out by Boroondara Council, have increased public space for seating, socialising, and dining in the precinct, which is located next to Camberwell train station between Burke Rd and Holly St.

The streetscape project has widened the footpaths by three metres to create seating nodes and decorative sculptures, made from timeless materials that are robust and functional.

As part of the redevelopment, the road pavement has been raised to provide all-abilities access for pedestrians.

There is also new seating, trees, sculptures, and signage to enhance the general appearance of the precinct, which is known as a busy hub for train passengers and locals.

“This project intends to revitalise the streetscape amenity and it has done exactly that by providing a pedestrian friendly gateway into the Camberwell shopping centre,” said Junction Ward Councillor Jack Wegman.

“Over $800,000 has been spent since 2018 to revitalise Cookson St, which is another example of council’s ongoing support for businesses and the community in Boroondara.

“When COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, I look forward to supporting the local traders at this newly created and attractive community space.”

The council said the project supports local businesses by creating more attractive public spaces for customers and visitors to enjoy.

Camberwell Centre Association manager Kerry Daly said any refurbishment project for the Camberwell shopping precinct was very much appreciated by both local traders and the Camberwell community.

“It is very important to keep the precinct looking fresh and inviting; a place locals can be proud of. We hope that Boroondara Council will undertake more upgrade projects in the future,” she said.

“The revitalisation of Cookson St will help focus attention on this historic Burke Hill area. It also creates an attractive and welcoming gathering space for locals, visitors and customers to enjoy.”

Visitors to Camberwell are advised that tram improvement works will be taking place in June and it will affect some road access.

As part of the modernisation of Melbourne’s tram network, Yarra Trams and Public Transport Victoria will repair tram track and overhead wires at Camberwell Junction from Saturday, June 11 to Tuesday, June 14.

Major maintenance works will be carried out at the entrance of the Camberwell Tram Depot in Riversdale Rd, with additional overhead wire maintenance to take place in Burke Rd.

These upgrade works will minimise future disruptions and ensure that Yarra Trams is able to continue to deliver a safe and reliable transport service.

Shops and services in the Camberwell Precinct will remain open during the works period and continue trading as normal.

Impact of works on motorists and pedestrians

Major maintenance works will take place at Camberwell Junction in Riversdale Rd between Burke Rd and Havelock and Redfern roads. These works will commence at 12.01am on Saturday, June 11 and continue 24 hours a day until 4am on Tuesday, June 14. Riversdale Rd will be closed to motorists between Burke, Camberwell, Havelock and Redfern roads for the duration of the works. Drivers are encouraged to seek an alternate route during this time.

Access to driveways in Riversdale Road within the work zone will also be severely restricted and all on-street parking removed. Residents and traders are advised park in side streets to prevent delays during the maintenance period.

Additionally, overhead wire renewal works will occur in Burke Rd from 8pm on Monday, June 13 until 4am on Tuesday, June 14 between Demark Hill Rd and Prospect Hill Rd. Overhead wires will also be renewed across Camberwell Junction at this time. During these hours, Burke Rd will be closed to motorists between Denmark Hill Rd and Prospect Hill Rd. Traffic controllers will be in the area to manage local access but delays should be expected. Residents and traders are advised to park outside the work zone during this time.

The work zone will be fenced off for safety but footpaths will remain open to allow pedestrian access to all businesses and residences in Riversdale Rd during the three-day work period, and in Burke Rd from 8pm on Monday, June 13 until 4am on Tuesday, June 14.

Impact on tram passengers

Tram routes 70, 72 and 75 will be affected by the maintenance works. Replacement bus services will operate for the duration of the major works period. For details closer to the time, refer to signage on the network, onboard brochures, tramTRACKER or visit yarratrams.com.au

Noise and dust

There will be noise and dust from machinery, vehicles and work crews. This is unavoidable but everything will be done to ensure this is kept to a minimum.

The noisiest work will occur between the hours of 6am and 10pm however, there may be a need to conduct noisy work outside these hours to ensure that all works are completed by 4am on Tuesday, June 14.

Further information

Yarra Trams and Public Transport Victoria thank residents, motorists and traders in the Camberwell area for their patience during the maintenance works period. They regret any inconvenience caused by this essential repair work.

The maintenance works are being performed in accordance with Yarra Trams’ obligations to Public Transport Victoria which are necessary to maintain a safe tram network as required by the Rail Safety Act 2006 (Vic). As such, Yarra Trams will not be compensating third-parties for any losses incurred during the conduct of the work.

For more information about the works, visit works.yarratrams.com.au or phone 1800 800 007.