Broadmeadows is in for a makeover.
The oft-neglected suburb has been gifted $1.3 million from the state government to beautify Pascoe Vale Road and start work on Meadowlink Park.
Treasurer Tim Pallas made the announcement at the Broadmeadows Economic and Cultural Development Summit on Friday.
The summit was organised by Broadmeadows MP Frank McGuire to create a blueprint for new industries and jobs as the manufacturing industry in Melbourne’s north winds up.
Ms Pallas said $1 million would be allocated to turning Pascoe Vale Road into a grand boulevard with tree planting, road works and improved crossings.
Another $150,000 has been set aside to redesign the loop road that skirts Broadmeadows Town Hall. The idea is to consolidate parking to improve the flow of traffic and free up land for office development.
The treasurer also said $150,000 would be funnelled into the Meadowlink Park project.
The joint council, state government and Vic Roads project is designed to connect the Moonee Ponds and Merlyston Creeks together via a 3.2-kilometre shared pedestrians and bike path along the old railway corridor.
The money will allow planning on the linear park to be completed.
“This funding will revitalise the heart of Broadmeadows, providing a boost to local jobs, and making the community a better place to live,” Mr Pallas said.
Deputy Premier James Merlino and Indigenous leader Michael Long also spoke at Mr McGuire’s summit.
Mr McGuire said a meeting of business leaders and representatives from the three tiers of government was needed to address alarming unemployment figures and the rolling retrenchment of low-skilled workers in the region.
“The aim is to establish a co-ordinated strategy to help job creation, lifelong learning and crime prevention,” he said.
