The overall design concept approach is to undertake measures to naturalise the appearance of the waterway from the constrained concrete channel that currently exists.

The consistent treatment for all three options is to modify the existing base of the concrete channel, removing excess concrete material, whilst maintaining the base concrete for stabilisation of the waterway. New rockwork will form the base of the waterway hiding the remaining concrete. Rock will also be used to create a natural waterway channel and a series of in stream weirs.

Design Concept A includes an upgrade of the creek channel between Ethel Street and Herbert Street Reserve. The design includes 650m removal of the concrete walls and placement of rocks throughout the channel.

Key features include:

• 650m length of naturalised waterway
• Installation of six rock weirs
• Rocks and native revegetation in the channel
• Bank revegetation and canopy cover
• Installation of formal seating with bench seats
• 794 tonnes of concrete removed from side wings.

Design Concept A will involve limited re-engineering of the channel replicating the current creek layout.

View Design Concept A PDF plan

Design Concept B includes an upgrade of the creek channel between Margaret Street Bridge and Herbert Reserve. The design includes 500m removal of the concrete walls and placement of rocks throughout the channel. Design Concept B includes improvements to Herbert Reserve improving the biodiversity zone of the area and enhancing recreational opportunities through a picnic/viewing node.

Additionally, Design Concept B includes the realignment of the Brosnan Crescent section of shared path providing a separation of cyclists and pedestrians between Pascoe Vale Road and Margaret Street bridge.

Key features include:

• 500m length of naturalised waterway
• Installation of six rock weirs
• Construction of a pond approximately 1m in depth near Lebanon and Herbert Reserves
• Rocks and native revegetation in the channel
• Bank revegetation and canopy cover
• Installation of formal seating with bench seats
• 763 tonnes of concrete removed from side wings and base of pond
• Separate the bike path and pedestrian path along Brosnan Crescent
• Significant re-engineering to naturalise the creek channel.

View Design Concept B PDF plan

Design Concept C includes an upgrade of the creek channel between Ethel Street Reserve and Herbert Street Bridge (excluding Herbert Street Reserve). The design includes 500m removal of the concrete walls and placement of rocks throughout the channel. Design Concept C includes improvements to Ethel Street Reserve to provide a vantage point down to the creek channel.

Additionally, Design Concept C includes the realignment of the Brosnan Crescent section of shared path providing a separation of cyclists and pedestrians between Pascoe Vale Road and Margaret Street bridge.

Key features include:

• 500m length of naturalised waterway
• Installation of six rock weirs
• Construction of a pond approximately 1m in depth near Oak Park Reserve revealing the existing piped drainage line
• Opening the Oak Park stormwater drain is a more natural way of managing stormwater than providing a piped connection into the creek.
• Rocks and native revegetation in the channel
• Bank revegetation and canopy cover
• Installation of formal seating with bench seats
• 691 tonnes of concrete removed from side wings and base of pond
• Separate the bike path and pedestrian path along Brosnan Crescent.

View Design Concept C PDF plan

View accessible version of Design Concept Features Comparison table.