Revitalising Reservoir is delivering new bike lanes, improved green spaces, spectacular murals and more thanks to the Victorian Government’s Suburban Revitalisation program.
Locally led projects are being delivered through a partnership between the Victorian Government, Darebin City Council, and local organisations to help Reservoir thrive and improve connections within the community.
“These projects have been selected as they directly help us in achieving our community’s vision by building infrastructure for the future and improving safety for people in the rich tapestry that is Reservoir,” Mayor of the City of Darebin Lina Messina said.
Bike it to Rezza
Getting around Reservoir will soon be easier.
The thriving suburb already has trams, trains, buses, taxis, and soon it will have more bike lanes.
Thanks to ‘Bike it to Rezza’, bike lanes will now be installed along the main throughfares of Edwardes Street and Broadway.
The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $110,000 for this project. It is anticipated to be completed later this year.
Greening Reservoir
Reservoir’s central shopping precinct has also been given a refresh through the Greening Reservoir project.
Garden beds have been planted around the activity centre and street furniture has been updated, improving the look and feel of the area and inviting the community to use public spaces.
The Victorian Government invested $75,000 into this project which was completed at the end of April 2022.
Birds and Beans Community Training Café
The Birds and Beans Community Training Cafe, part of the Reservoir Neighbourhood House, works with a local high school, offering training for students as part of the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL).
Following a $50,000 extension, the café can now increase its opening hours to include weekends and expand its existing programs and activities. Thanks to the Suburban Revitalisation program funding, the café will now also be able to develop new programs for local youth and disadvantaged members of the community.
“I’m excited about the opportunity we have for engaging not only young people, but our broader local community,” said Reservoir Neighbourhood House’s Executive Officer, Angie Davidson.
“We are looking to add new programs that focus on skill development and community engagement for young people in areas of sustainability, barista training, work readiness and business admin.”
The outdoor area will also be redesigned to encourage more people to come, relax and support the cafe.
“To have a space where you can enjoy a cuppa whilst sitting in the garden listening to the birds, feeling a soft breeze and enjoying the sunshine is a wonderful thought,” Angie said.
This project was completed in May 2022.
A Safer Reservoir
Beyond infrastructure, the Victorian Government, Victoria Police, and local agencies are working together to deliver the ‘Safer Reservoir’ program
A community safety committee has been established to identify solutions and oversee the various projects.
As part of the program, two part-time drug and alcohol outreach workers have been engaging with and supporting individuals struggling with substance abuse. The project will also deliver a suite of community safety activities, including a community safety audit of key public spaces.
The Victorian Government provided $155,000 for this project and it is expected to be completed in late 2022.
Revitalising Reservoir projects are making Reservoir stronger, more vibrant and more connected.
“We’re delighted to be working alongside the Victorian Government and local community to bring Revitalising Reservoir to life,” said Cr Messina.
“These projects follow through on our ongoing commitment to make Darebin an equitable, vibrant and connected community.”
