Inglewood Streetscape Enhancement

Share Inglewood Streetscape Enhancement on Facebook Share Inglewood Streetscape Enhancement on Twitter Share Inglewood Streetscape Enhancement on Linkedin Email Inglewood Streetscape Enhancement link

The Inglewood Streetscape Project was born out of a community survey in 2016, and further developed with a Streetscape Master Plan.

In early 2024 Loddon Shire Councillors approved an allocation of funds to allow the project to commence its initial phase to survey the project site, locate services, generate a landscape design, establish a Community Advisory Group and prepare government grant applications to fund future project stages, including construction and works programs.

Council is now seeking feedback on the plans as part of community consultation on the project. You can have your say through the survey at the bottom of this page (and you can ask further questions), while you can view the plans through the links on the sidebar on the right.

Alternatively, hard copies will be able to view at Council's Customer Service Centre, 41 High St, Wedderburn.

The significant streetscape project will enhance the safety, accessibility and character of Inglewood's town centre and will support local business, celebrate cultural heritage and improve liveability for residents, as well as appeal to visitors.

BACKGROUND

Inglewood is on Djandak (Dja Dja Wurrung Country). Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung People) are the recognised Traditional Owners in Central Victoria.

Inglewood is known for its history as a goldmining town, the eucalyptus oil distillery and a good range of antique and vintage ware shops.

Sports and volunteer organisations are strong in Inglewood and provide vital community services for the diverse community needs.

Inglewood is celebrated for its heritage character with a mix of shops, and domestic buildings in the main street.

There is a Heritage Overlay over the town centre protecting the buildings.

The road is a trucking route, which brings important economic activity to the region and will be retained for the foreseeable future. Trucking activity can detract from the overall amenity. Engine noise can reverberate between buildings and at times the smell of freighted animals lingers, impacting street-side dining and casual conversations.

In contrast, the town itself feels nestled in the bushland setting, with several areas of Inglewood Bushland Reserve on its fringes and Kooyoora (The Mountain of Light) not too far away.

This project aims to complement this impressive reputation and acknowledge the shared history and pre-colonisation history. A key part of the project brief was to explore the idea of Inglewood as ‘the gateway to Kooyoora’.

Kooyoora (sometimes known as Melville Caves) is under 20 minutes’ drive from the town centre.

The landscape is awe inspiring, and rich in cultural heritage – both tangible objects and intangible stories.

Visitors are dwarfed by granite boulders and rocky outcrops, while being immersed in the Box Ironbark forest.

It is an important place for Djaara, who have a continuous living cultural connection going back at least 40,000 years. That’s about 1,500 generations, but Djaara call it time immemorial.

In Djaara stories, Kooyoora is known to be one of the homes of the great serpent who is the enforcer of cultural law. There are also important stories about the Mallee Fowl. While the Mallee Fowl are not currently known in the landscape, we hope that by healing Country they will return.

The Inglewood Development and Tourism Committee commissioned a Streetscape Masterplan by Outlines (completed April 2022).

The Masterplan captures the Inglewood community’s aspirations for their town and has been the foundation of this stage of the project.

The DJANDAK Design Team have worked with the 2022 Streetscape Masterplan as a project foundation and interwoven cultural stories into the streetscape.

Djaara values of strong community, respect for Elders and caring for children are core to the design response.

We have strived for a design that balances practicalities, beauty, history and culture.

STREETSCAPE DESIGN

This detailed design concept undertaken by the DJANDAK Design Team builds on the work of the Inglewood Development and Tourism Committee commissioned Streetscape Masterplan by Outlines (completed April 2022), to consider maintenance, construction restrictions and embedding Djaara culture, themes and ideas into the future development of the Inglewood Streetscape.

This design draft will be used to present the concept to community and stakeholders and support funding applications for next stages of design and construction.

The intersection of Verdon Street and Brooke Street is the heart of the town and the turn to Kooyoora.

Feature paving creates a blurred serpentine form referencing the great serpent and Djaara’s healing smoke.

New garden beds with low native plants provide a buffer between pedestrians and the busy road. Open space and seating in this area provides valuable spaces for community to connect.

New street trees have been proposed within the existing footpath zone. We have selected the indigenous Yellow Gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon).

This tree has been tried and tested as a street tree throughout Victoria, it has the capacity to be pruned to suit the large vehicles whilst still providing excellent canopy cover to cool the streetscape.

The Dwarf Yellow Gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon ‘Euky Dwarf’), is an excellent matching cultivar to suit locations with overhead powerlines whilst still contributing to the biodiversity of the region.

We have investigated the use of structural soils to protect the street assets and provide a healthy growing environment for the selected trees.

The story of the serpent is continued through the streetscape with paving and a series of small garden beds. They represent the meandering journey and showcase drought tolerant, native plants. Regular seating nodes support the community to rest and catch up with neighbours.

Freestanding trellises provide a Council owned asset to manage vines e.g. ornamental grapes without impacting private infrastructure such as verandas.

ART TRAIL

We have identified key viewlines around the town where public art would enhance the public realm.

It is envisioned that these pieces will be by both Djaara and non-Djaara artists to contribute to the region’s story of reconciliation and shared history.

  • The Park – projected artwork
  • The entry sign – laser cut Mallee Fowl
  • Upgrade to the existing Verdon Street Mural
  • Bendigo Bank wall - mural
  • The Plaza - road surface mural or exposed aggregate pattern
  • Bowling club fence - mural
  • Supermarket wall near the carpark - mural
  • Elements in the interpretive signage - illustration
  • Elements in street furniture customisation- illustration for fabrication

PLAZA

The plaza is proposed to be developed in Storm Lane between the much-loved Town Hall and local cafes with rear gardens.

Community markets are currently using the lawn next to the Town Hall.

The plaza has been designed to support and grow this community event to cater for locals and tourists.

It will support the local cafes to utilise their rear gardens away from the noise of the trucking route.

The space has the capacity for night-time activation with overhead festoon lighting and fairy lights on the existing palm trees.

Removable bollards allow this space to be safely closed for larger community events such as markets.

Djaara artwork on the road surface will make this space an icon and a modern space suitable for the whole community to gather for events and celebrations.

PARK

On the inside bend of Brooke Street/Calder Highway there is a vacant lot that was previously a petrol station.

This site has been selected by Council and in the 2022 Masterplan as a town park.

The park has been designed as a visitors’ rest stop highlighting the town’s connection to Kooyoora.

The park features a Djaara shelter, gathering circle, planted earthen mound, drought tolerant native grass lawn, interpretive signs, toilet block, and carparking for standard, long and DDA (wheelchair accessible) vehicles as well as bicycles.

Projected artwork is proposed to create night-time activation of this space.

The design of the park carefully considered the retention of old infrastructure under the ground.

The planted mound represents Kooyoora and provides a buffer between park users and the busy road.

A shallow water feature with large granite rocks is integrated into the planted mound. It is capturing the story of the mountain of light. It will be designed to capture the way water and granite sparkles in the sunlight.

TOWN SIGNAGE

A sculptural feature has been developed in a co-design workshop with Djaara members.

It features granite rocks, the Mallee Fowl and ‘INGLEWOOD’.

We have located the major sign on the bend in Brooke Street/Calder Highway in the 40 km/hr zone.

This location is on significant viewlines and will help drivers identify that they are entering the town centre and to adjust to the conditions.

A smaller feature has been designed for the town limits.

AT A GLANCE

The DJANDAK design builds on the work of the Inglewood Development and Tourism Committee commissioned Streetscape Masterplan (completed April 2022).

This design draft will be used to present the concept to community and stakeholders and support funding applications for next stages of design and construction.

A significant funding application to the Australian Government Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program will be lodged by the Loddon Shire Council project team.

Project objectives include:

  • Greening and cooling through plantings of grass, plants, shade trees and vines
  • Paving and surface variation to accentuate heritage buildings
  • A public art trail and incorporation of existing heritage trail
  • Increased accessibility for pedestrians and vehicles, to support retail businesses
  • Defined town entrance and signage

The Inglewood Streetscape Project was born out of a community survey in 2016, and further developed with a Streetscape Master Plan.

In early 2024 Loddon Shire Councillors approved an allocation of funds to allow the project to commence its initial phase to survey the project site, locate services, generate a landscape design, establish a Community Advisory Group and prepare government grant applications to fund future project stages, including construction and works programs.

Council is now seeking feedback on the plans as part of community consultation on the project. You can have your say through the survey at the bottom of this page (and you can ask further questions), while you can view the plans through the links on the sidebar on the right.

Alternatively, hard copies will be able to view at Council's Customer Service Centre, 41 High St, Wedderburn.

The significant streetscape project will enhance the safety, accessibility and character of Inglewood's town centre and will support local business, celebrate cultural heritage and improve liveability for residents, as well as appeal to visitors.

BACKGROUND

Inglewood is on Djandak (Dja Dja Wurrung Country). Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung People) are the recognised Traditional Owners in Central Victoria.

Inglewood is known for its history as a goldmining town, the eucalyptus oil distillery and a good range of antique and vintage ware shops.

Sports and volunteer organisations are strong in Inglewood and provide vital community services for the diverse community needs.

Inglewood is celebrated for its heritage character with a mix of shops, and domestic buildings in the main street.

There is a Heritage Overlay over the town centre protecting the buildings.

The road is a trucking route, which brings important economic activity to the region and will be retained for the foreseeable future. Trucking activity can detract from the overall amenity. Engine noise can reverberate between buildings and at times the smell of freighted animals lingers, impacting street-side dining and casual conversations.

In contrast, the town itself feels nestled in the bushland setting, with several areas of Inglewood Bushland Reserve on its fringes and Kooyoora (The Mountain of Light) not too far away.

This project aims to complement this impressive reputation and acknowledge the shared history and pre-colonisation history. A key part of the project brief was to explore the idea of Inglewood as ‘the gateway to Kooyoora’.

Kooyoora (sometimes known as Melville Caves) is under 20 minutes’ drive from the town centre.

The landscape is awe inspiring, and rich in cultural heritage – both tangible objects and intangible stories.

Visitors are dwarfed by granite boulders and rocky outcrops, while being immersed in the Box Ironbark forest.

It is an important place for Djaara, who have a continuous living cultural connection going back at least 40,000 years. That’s about 1,500 generations, but Djaara call it time immemorial.

In Djaara stories, Kooyoora is known to be one of the homes of the great serpent who is the enforcer of cultural law. There are also important stories about the Mallee Fowl. While the Mallee Fowl are not currently known in the landscape, we hope that by healing Country they will return.

The Inglewood Development and Tourism Committee commissioned a Streetscape Masterplan by Outlines (completed April 2022).

The Masterplan captures the Inglewood community’s aspirations for their town and has been the foundation of this stage of the project.

The DJANDAK Design Team have worked with the 2022 Streetscape Masterplan as a project foundation and interwoven cultural stories into the streetscape.

Djaara values of strong community, respect for Elders and caring for children are core to the design response.

We have strived for a design that balances practicalities, beauty, history and culture.

STREETSCAPE DESIGN

This detailed design concept undertaken by the DJANDAK Design Team builds on the work of the Inglewood Development and Tourism Committee commissioned Streetscape Masterplan by Outlines (completed April 2022), to consider maintenance, construction restrictions and embedding Djaara culture, themes and ideas into the future development of the Inglewood Streetscape.

This design draft will be used to present the concept to community and stakeholders and support funding applications for next stages of design and construction.

The intersection of Verdon Street and Brooke Street is the heart of the town and the turn to Kooyoora.

Feature paving creates a blurred serpentine form referencing the great serpent and Djaara’s healing smoke.

New garden beds with low native plants provide a buffer between pedestrians and the busy road. Open space and seating in this area provides valuable spaces for community to connect.

New street trees have been proposed within the existing footpath zone. We have selected the indigenous Yellow Gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon).

This tree has been tried and tested as a street tree throughout Victoria, it has the capacity to be pruned to suit the large vehicles whilst still providing excellent canopy cover to cool the streetscape.

The Dwarf Yellow Gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon ‘Euky Dwarf’), is an excellent matching cultivar to suit locations with overhead powerlines whilst still contributing to the biodiversity of the region.

We have investigated the use of structural soils to protect the street assets and provide a healthy growing environment for the selected trees.

The story of the serpent is continued through the streetscape with paving and a series of small garden beds. They represent the meandering journey and showcase drought tolerant, native plants. Regular seating nodes support the community to rest and catch up with neighbours.

Freestanding trellises provide a Council owned asset to manage vines e.g. ornamental grapes without impacting private infrastructure such as verandas.

ART TRAIL

We have identified key viewlines around the town where public art would enhance the public realm.

It is envisioned that these pieces will be by both Djaara and non-Djaara artists to contribute to the region’s story of reconciliation and shared history.

  • The Park – projected artwork
  • The entry sign – laser cut Mallee Fowl
  • Upgrade to the existing Verdon Street Mural
  • Bendigo Bank wall - mural
  • The Plaza - road surface mural or exposed aggregate pattern
  • Bowling club fence - mural
  • Supermarket wall near the carpark - mural
  • Elements in the interpretive signage - illustration
  • Elements in street furniture customisation- illustration for fabrication

PLAZA

The plaza is proposed to be developed in Storm Lane between the much-loved Town Hall and local cafes with rear gardens.

Community markets are currently using the lawn next to the Town Hall.

The plaza has been designed to support and grow this community event to cater for locals and tourists.

It will support the local cafes to utilise their rear gardens away from the noise of the trucking route.

The space has the capacity for night-time activation with overhead festoon lighting and fairy lights on the existing palm trees.

Removable bollards allow this space to be safely closed for larger community events such as markets.

Djaara artwork on the road surface will make this space an icon and a modern space suitable for the whole community to gather for events and celebrations.

PARK

On the inside bend of Brooke Street/Calder Highway there is a vacant lot that was previously a petrol station.

This site has been selected by Council and in the 2022 Masterplan as a town park.

The park has been designed as a visitors’ rest stop highlighting the town’s connection to Kooyoora.

The park features a Djaara shelter, gathering circle, planted earthen mound, drought tolerant native grass lawn, interpretive signs, toilet block, and carparking for standard, long and DDA (wheelchair accessible) vehicles as well as bicycles.

Projected artwork is proposed to create night-time activation of this space.

The design of the park carefully considered the retention of old infrastructure under the ground.

The planted mound represents Kooyoora and provides a buffer between park users and the busy road.

A shallow water feature with large granite rocks is integrated into the planted mound. It is capturing the story of the mountain of light. It will be designed to capture the way water and granite sparkles in the sunlight.

TOWN SIGNAGE

A sculptural feature has been developed in a co-design workshop with Djaara members.

It features granite rocks, the Mallee Fowl and ‘INGLEWOOD’.

We have located the major sign on the bend in Brooke Street/Calder Highway in the 40 km/hr zone.

This location is on significant viewlines and will help drivers identify that they are entering the town centre and to adjust to the conditions.

A smaller feature has been designed for the town limits.

AT A GLANCE

The DJANDAK design builds on the work of the Inglewood Development and Tourism Committee commissioned Streetscape Masterplan (completed April 2022).

This design draft will be used to present the concept to community and stakeholders and support funding applications for next stages of design and construction.

A significant funding application to the Australian Government Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program will be lodged by the Loddon Shire Council project team.

Project objectives include:

  • Greening and cooling through plantings of grass, plants, shade trees and vines
  • Paving and surface variation to accentuate heritage buildings
  • A public art trail and incorporation of existing heritage trail
  • Increased accessibility for pedestrians and vehicles, to support retail businesses
  • Defined town entrance and signage

Any questions?

Loddon Shire Council welcomes any questions you might have on the Inglewood Streetscape Enhancement project.

Please submit your questions and we will get back to you with a response.

loader image
Forgot password?
Didn't receive confirmation?
Register Now
Seems like you are already registered, please provide the password. Forgot your password? Create a new one now.
Page last updated: 13 Jun 2025, 06:18 PM