New landscape design to revitalise Castlemaine town entrance
Published on 02 June 2025
Tree canopies, garden beds and bench seating are some of the features included in new design concepts for Barker Street and Forest Street in Castlemaine.
The design concepts have been developed by Mount Alexander Shire Council, and are part of Council’s long-term plan to revitalise the Castlemaine town centre.
Council’s long-term vision for the town centre is outlined in the Castlemaine Streetscape Plan and Design Standards. This strategic document provides direction and recommendations for streetscapes in, and around, the Castlemaine CBD area.
It also provides recommendations for improvements that ensure the history of Castlemaine is respected, there is consistency in the look and feel of the streetscape, and improved access, connectivity and amenity.
The new design concepts for Barker Street and Forest Street have been informed by extensive community feedback, undertaken in 2019.
This involved receiving input via a community reference group, feedback through an online survey, face-to-face listening posts with Council staff, and more.
“The new design concepts for Barker Street and Forest Street are incredibly exciting,” said Michael Annear, Council’s Director Infrastructure and Development.
“The design includes landscaping such as new trees, turf nature strips, and garden beds with low shrubs, grasses and groundcovers.
“Other features include bench seats, wayfinding signage, building façade lighting, and acknowledgement of local First Nations history.
“There are sustainable design elements, and a good balance between heritage and street character, and function and accessibility,” said Mr Annear.
Implementation of the design is dependent on external funding; which Council will. seek over the coming years.
“At this stage, we don’t have funding for this project,” said Mayor Annear.
“We’ll be looking into avenues such as State and Federal Government grants over the coming years.
“It’s an exciting design that will benefit our community, and we’ll work hard to get funding to implement it.”
When the funding is secured, the design will be implemented in stages over a number of years.
Councillors will consider the Barker Street and Forest Street Landscape Design for adoption at the July 2025 Council meeting.
View the Barker Street and Forest Street Landscape Design here.(PDF, 6MB)
For more information about the Castlemaine Streetscape Plan and Design Standards, visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Castlemaine-Streetscape-Plan-and-Design-Standards.