Frederick St and Mechanics Lane Redevelopment Project

In May 2017, Mount Alexander Shire Council engaged Tract Consultants Pty Ltd to review the existing streetscape conditions and prepare a strategic plan to further enhance the town centre while preserving the rich history.

One of the key priorities was to undertake a streetscape upgrade of Frederick Street and Mechanics Lane located between Mostyn Street and Templeton Street. The review of the existing infrastructure identified that road and footpath assets required reconstruction which was seen as an opportunity to implement Council’s streetscape plan as part of the works.

This project is for the design development of Frederick Street and Mechanics Lane and will help Council to achieve the objectives as listed in the streetscape plan. 

These works will be the first stage of a much larger vision for Castlemaine to be a vibrant and attractive centre which maintains and enhances its heritage values, serves the needs of local residents, attracts tourists and other visitors, and promotes the growth and viability of retail traders and other businesses.

The project is funded by a $12.19 million Federal Government grant through the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) and was identified as a priority in the Castlemaine Streetscape Plan and Design Standards 2020.

Community engagement

Local residents and businesses provided considerable feedback after public viewing of the concept plans for the Frederick Street precinct.

Feedback included:

• Improving pedestrian and cycling access along with landscaping and plantings
• Maintaining vehicle access and on street car parking
• Increasing seating and opportunities for public art

We have listened and incorporated feedback into the project where possible. 

We will continue to update this page as the project progresses.

Upcoming Frederick Street and Mechanics Lane road closures 

• Week of 13th April - Frederick St will be closed between Mostyn St and Lyttleton St.
• Week of 20th April - Frederick St will be closed between Mostyn St and Templeton St. Mechanics La will be shut. Two-way traffic flow arrangement will be in place on Lloyd St.
• Week of 27th April - Frederick St will be closed between Mostyn St and Lyttleton St.
• Week of 5th May - Frederick St will be closed between Mostyn St and Lyttleton St.

Please be aware that there may also be some occasional reduction to the availability of parking along Templeton Street. 

Council and the contractor will work closely with affected residents and businesses to plan for access needs and minimise disruption. If you have any concerns, please feel free to get in touch with the project team via Emir Ameti - Project Manager, e.ameti@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

Stay informed

• Sign up to receive emails about project updates and road closures
• For queries or to discuss your specific access needs contact us at 03 5471 1700.

September 2025 - March 2027

• The construction tender was advertised in July 2025. The tender responses are currently being evaluated by Council.
• Planning approvals: Council is currently seeking planning approvals for the streetscape works. These are not required for the Communications or Powercor works.
• Communications infrastructure: Communications company, Vocus will undertake minor works to relocate fibre infrastructure.
• Powercor works: Powercor will begin removing power poles and undergrounding the existing power supply in February, 2026. These works will involve planned power outages. 
• Construction timeline: Streetscape construction will begin after Powercor works are completed.
• Staged works: Construction will be delivered in segments. Specific staging and timing will be confirmed once a contractor is appointed. 
• The construction works are expected to commence in 2026 and be completed by March 2027.