Drysdale Town Square and park's $1.3 million transformative upgrade brings community together, seamlessly integrating with the state-of-the-art Boronggook Drysdale Library.
The project, which came out of the 2012 Drysdale Town Square Urban Design Framework, aimed to create a civic heart for the town.
Highlights of the upgrade:
- Civic Heart Concept: The project intentionally merges the newly revitalised Drysdale Town Square and Park with the innovative Booronggook Library, creating a dynamic and inclusive Civic Heart. This central hub will serve as a meeting ground for residents and visitors alike, fostering a sense of unity and shared identity.
- Community-Centric Design: The design embodies innovation and accessibility with improved lighting, a pedestrianised mall, better surfaces, new furniture, seating, bike parking areas, Smart Nodes and new CCTV cameras.
- Cultural Fusion: The upgrade celebrates Drysdale's rich heritage by integrating elements of local culture and history into its design. A new sculpture which has a play element and gathering spaces pays homage to the past while embracing the present and future aspirations of the community.
- Green Oasis: An inviting green space - new gardens with over 2000 indigenous plants and 30 new trees, irrigation, lawns and grass mounds provide a serene escape for relaxation and reflection. This oasis underscores the commitment to sustainability and the environment, offering a peaceful retreat for all ages and integrating with Booronggook Library's innovative green rooftop.
- Multifunctional Gathering Spaces: The town square's versatile design allows for a variety of events and activities, from farmers' markets and outdoor performances to community festivals and gatherings. It's a space that can adapt to the changing needs and interests of Drysdale's diverse population.
- Connection and Convenience: With an emphasis on walkability and accessibility, the town square is strategically located at the crossroads of community life.
With careful planning and collaborative efforts, this project integrates modern functionality with the rich history of Drysdale to provide a space that caterso all.
Feedback from consultations informed the final design of the town square, with the community, including Drysdale business owners and landlords, invited to share their comments on the design in 2016 and again in 2021.
The design of the town square was crafted by thoughtfully incorporating community feedback from various stakeholders, ensuring a space that truly resonates with the needs and preferences of the residents and traders.
Council contributed $1.23 million to the project along with $70,000 (Drysdale Traders CCTV project) contributed by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications Regional Programmes Fund.
Funding towards the Smart Nodes came from a wider grant from the Victorian Government's Connecting Regional Communities Program.
To commemorate the completion of the Drysdale Town Square and Park upgrade, including the Drysdale Traders CCTV project, Mayor Trent Sullivan, Councillor Jim Mason and Member for Corangamite Libby Coker visited the Drysdale Town Square and Park.
Ms Libby Coker - Federal Member for Corangamite
Our contribution, through the Regional Programmes Fund, is all about making sure that our communities have the infrastructure they need to feel safe whilst enjoying everything their town has to offer.
It's so important we promote safe community spaces and ensure businesses have peace of mind – the installation of this infrastructure will play a significant role in bringing that to fruition for the Drysdale community.
I'd like to congratulate everyone in the community and council who advocated for this project.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
We've been working on this project over several years. The result is really outstanding.
Drysdale now has a civic centre that celebrates nature and embraces innovation.
The way the Booronggook Library has been integrated with its unique circular green rooftop, the town square and park, shows how functionality, aesthetic, and community aspirations can all blend harmoniously.
This town square stands as a testament to thoughtful, well-considered planning and design.
Councillor Jim Mason - Bellarine Ward
Our commitment is to foster a town centre in Drysdale that supports health, wellbeing, and vibrant community life.
This town square is not just a place. It represents our shared values and provides a beautiful setting for the community to come together.
