2022-2023 Capital works

Darebin’s capital works program continues its strong focus on investment in new and renewed infrastructure.

In 2022/2023 Council has spent approximately $53.9 million against its capital works program, demonstrating a significant investment across our local government area.

Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre

The construction of the new Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC) was 90% complete as at the end of 2022/2023. NARC will offer a new outdoor 50-metre pool, an indoor pool, warm water pool, leisure pool, splash pad and learn-to-swim pool. Fitness and wellness facilities will include multi-purpose spaces for group fitness and yoga, a gym and consulting rooms for allied health professionals. The project is targeting a 6 Star – Green Star – design and as built certified rating through the Green Building Council of Australia. The design rating has been confirmed and the focus now turns to securing the rating for the construction of the facility. This is a significant achievement and represents ‘world leadership’ in environmentally sustainable building practices. NARC is on track to be open to the community in late 2023. This project has embedded consideration of climate risk – the design has mitigated risk by running on renewable energy and it will also function as a ‘cool place’ when needed as part of our risk management response to heatwaves in future.

Project cost in 2022–23: $34.46 million (ongoing)
Project budget: $63.5 million

Darebin Intercultural Centre

The Darebin Intercultural Centre has moved to a purpose-built space co-designed in partnership with the Wurundjeri Woi wurrung Traditional Owners and members of our diverse community. The new centre occupies a ground-level renovated section of Council’s High Street building with chambers, meeting rooms and offices remaining on the first floor. The renewal of the Darebin Intercultural Centre is guided by a programming framework that was also co-designed with Traditional Owners and the community. It was multi-year project with a budget of $2.5 million.

Project cost in 2022–23: $1.56 million (completed)
Project budget: $2.5 million

Dole Wetlands

Commenced construction of the Dole Wetlands with 65% of construction complete. The wetlands will enable 25 megalitres per year of stormwater to be harvested.

Project cost in 2021–22: $2.17 million (not completed)
Project budget: $3.6 million, including a $1.8 million grant from Melbourne Water

Upgrades to the Darebin Resource Recovery Centre

Almost $1 million was invested in the Darebin Resource Recovery Centre to ensure this important community asset remains safe, compliant and operational. One of the projects undertaken included the renewal of a retaining wall that was damaged during an earthquake. The retaining wall was completed in January 2023 and the commercial tipping deck is open for business.

Project cost in 2022–23: $1.32 million (completed)
Project budget: $1 million

Road Resurfacing Program

Almost $1.8 million was invested to resurface roads in poor condition throughout the city. The Program draws upon funding from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program as well as Council’s own funding contributions. In total, 41 sections of road were replaced during 2022/2023. During the financial year, environmentally friendly asphalt was used including a product that uses steel slag, a waste product from the steel making industry that would otherwise go to landfill. It has great wear-resistant qualities and it increases road safety by providing better skid resistance. The procurement of this product aligns with Council’s Social and Sustainable Procurement Policy.

Project cost in 2022–23: $1.85 million (completed)
Project budget: $1.8 million

Road Rehabilitation Program

With funding assistance from the Federal Government, Council invested $1.6 million to renew critical infrastructure through the Road Rehabilitation Program. The Program included the rehabilitation of Farnan Street Northcote and Raleigh Street, Thornbury. In addition, recycled materials were used to construct a new road base and new raised school crossing at Holy Spirit Primary in Thornbury.

Project cost in 2022–23: $1.58 million (completed)
Project budget: $1.6 million

Roof renewals

Four roofs that had reached the end of their useful lives were replaced at a cost of approximately $600,000. The renewals significantly improved insulation in the buildings, which also helps to minimise energy consumption and reduce the running costs of building services systems. The sites were Pitcher Park Pavilion, T W Blake Pavilion, Clyde Street Community Centre and Crispe Park Pavilion. Embedding energy efficiency improvements into core renewal programs is a cost-effective way to address climate risk and improve operating performance.

Project budget in 2022–23: $0.34 million (completed)
Project budget: $0.6 million

Streetscape improvements in High Street

As part of a COVID recovery program, more than 120 new trees were planted along High Street. Council received glowing feedback on the initiative, with residents complimenting the improved amenity in the area. The project cost $500,000 and was in part funded by the State Government’s Living Local Suburban Grants Program.

Project budget in 2022–23: $0.48 million (completed)
Project budget: $0.5 million

Safe Travel Program

Project budget in 2022–23: $0.34 million (completed)With funding support from the Traffic Accident Commission Local Government Grant Program, Council invested $250,000 in the Safe Travel Program. This program provides safety upgrades around schools to encourage healthy, sustainable travel and strengthen school communities. Specific projects include the construction of a new raised intersection at Rayment Street and Hutton Street near Thornbury Primary School at a cost of $71,000 and a new raised school crossing in Green Avenue, Reservoir, at Our Lady of the Way Primary School for $67,000.

Project budget in 2022–23: $1.04 million (completed)
Project budget: $0.25 million

Gender-inclusive sporting infrastructure improvements

Project budget in 2022–23: $1.04 million (completed)John Hall Reserve sporting pavilion redevelopment Council is investing $200,000 into the planning and design of a replacement sporting pavilion at John Hall Reserve, Kingsbury. Universal design is being used, with a particular focus on gender inclusion to ensure more welcoming and comfortable changing rooms and social amenities, accessible public toilets, and safer access to and from facilities to the car park. The pavilion redesign is continuing in 2023/2024.

Project budget in 2022–23: $0.56 million (ongoing)