Work started this week on the second stage of the Deakin Avenue centre median redevelopment between Eighth and Ninth Streets.
The $1 million suite of works will transform the centre median, continuing the successful design of the first stage of the redevelopment between Ninth and Tenth Streets, which was completed in 2018.
As part of the works a wide pathway will run down the centre median, surrounded by new garden beds and landscaping.
Mildura Mayor Jason Modica said this section of Deakin Avenue's centre median is home to several important pieces of Mildura's history, which will be retained and protected.
These include the King George seat, the Mildura Rotunda and the Chaffey fountain at the Eighth Street end of the centre median, which is the original fountain established by the Chaffey family in front of Rio Vista Historic House.
In another link to Deakin Avenue's colourful history, about 20 sugar gums will be planted along the new-look centre median, grown from the same seed stocks as those that originally stood in Deakin Avenue, dating back to the Chaffey brother's era.
These will replace the established sugar gums that were removed in June 2019 due to the significant public safety risk posed by falling limbs. This work was undertaken in close consultation with the Mildura and District Historical Society and Greening Mildura.
Cr Modica said the works would result in a modern, more attractive look to Mildura's iconic main thoroughfare, while protecting important monuments representing the city's history.
"The first stage of the Deakin Avenue centre median redevelopment has proven a resounding success, providing more amenity, increasing access and producing a more modern, attractive look to our city's main street," the Mayor said.
"This second stage will continue the theme, as well as highlighting some of our city's more recognisable historic monuments as part of the design."
Work started this week and will continue until September. There will be intermittent impacts on Deakin Avenue traffic and pedestrian access during the works. Drivers and pedestrians are asked to take note of any signage in this area.
