Monash Drive Streetscape Swan Hill

The proposed upgrade to the Monash Drive road surface, footpaths and car parking precinct was driven by the development of the new “Our Place” art gallery, visitor information centre and cultural centre.

The brief focused on creating a welcoming and safe pedestrian experience, with convenient, shaded car parking within walking distance of the future building. Working alongside Heil Engineering Consultants, we reviewed the existing parking layout and identified opportunities to maximise capacity and improve functionality across the precinct.

The design considered a range of user groups, including tourists, day-trippers, grey nomads, families, older users and school groups. It provides a mix of parking types, including DDA spaces, bus drop-off and parking areas, caravan parking, and both short- and long-term standard parking. This was carefully balanced with a strong landscape framework, including a boulevard of tree planting that supports succession planting for the existing mature eucalyptus avenue.

The concept also integrates upgraded paving, furniture, lighting, public art opportunities, WSUD initiatives and planting design to create a more comfortable and engaging pedestrian journey along the shared path on the eastern side of the road.

A key feature is a viewing platform in the northern section of the site, requiring a boardwalk along a steep riverbank. The concept design included materials, balustrading, form and integrated artwork opportunities to frame views across the Little Murray River.

Detailed costings and staging were included to support implementation planning for SHRCC. The next stage of detailed design for construction of the viewing platform has now been completed.