Deakin Avenue centre median redevelopment Stage 2

We've enhanced the safety and aesthetics of the Deakin Avenue centre median between Eighth and Ninth Streets. This project formed part of the Deakin Avenue Landscape Master Plan and reflects the section between Ninth and Tenth Streets, which was successfully redeveloped in 2019.

Early demolition work on Deakin Avenue centre median between Eighth and Ninth Streets Mildura, May 2021.
An aerial view of initial demolition works underway on site. 

Location

Deakin Avenue centre median between Eighth and Ninth Streets, Mildura

Project highlights

Wide central pathway
Planting approximately 20 sugar gum trees, grown from the seed stock of the trees originally planted here in the 1800s.
New underground irrigation system and garden beds.
New lighting and outdoor furniture.
Retaining and enhancing key historic monuments including:

  • the King George V Memorial Fountain which originally stood in the gardens of Rio Vista and was moved to Deakin Avenue in 1936
  • the monumental stone seat surrounding the fountain
  • the DeSailly Rotunda, named in honour of Shire of Mildura President Cr George DeSailly who passed away in 1913 whilst in office
  • the W.B. Chaffey statue, sculpted by Paul Mountford and unveiled in 1929.

Background

July 2006: Council adopts Deakin Avenue Masterplan

2011-2012: Development of concept plans for Deakin Avenue centre median redevelopment between Seventh and Tenth Streets

2017: Stage 1 of the Deakin Avenue centre median redevelopment between Ninth and Tenth Streets completed

2017 - 2019: Detailed design work completed for Stage 2 of the centre median redevelopment between Eighth and Ninth Streets, including consultation with Council's heritage advisor to ensure appropriate treatment of historical monuments

May 2021: Work starts on Stage 2 of Deakin Avenue centre median redevelopment between Eighth and Ninth Streets.

Historical monuments

Appropriate treatment and preservation of historic monuments is a key aspect of the Deakin Avenue centre median redevelopment.

One of the most prominent monuments is the DeSailly Rotunda. The steps of the rotunda will be realigned to provide safer and better access to the rotunda and improve the aesthetics of the site, in line with the approved Deakin Avenue Masterplan.

This will also encourage more community usage of the rotunda, including live performances.

This work was planned in close consultation with Council's heritage advisor, the Mildura District and Historical Society and the Mildura Upland Sister City Association.

Council will continue to work closely with these key stakeholders throughout the redevelopment, which will ultimately include cleaning and restoration work to all historical monuments. Restoration of the King George V Memorial Fountain, DeSailly Rotunda and W.B. Chaffey statue will be a dedicated project including specialist advice and contractors undertaken after the current stage of the redevelopment.