What's happening?

We’re upgrading underground infrastructure (pipes) in the area around Clive and Memorial Squares. This includes:

  • Stormwater upgrades including stormwater treatment and new manholes
  • Wastewater upgrades (Clive Square East and West)
  • Kerb and channel upgrades
  • Safer intersections and crossings
  • Footpath upgrades

Digging up the street gives us an opportunity to build back better. Renewing what's above ground will save on long term maintenance costs. We'll upgrade 'The Zip', which is the part of Emerson Street that runs between the Squares. We'll keep this area’s familiar character and style, with these improvements:

  • Improved lighting for safety and atmosphere
  • Design changes to meet the community's desire for improved safety in the area
  • Improved accessibility for all
  • Fresh paving and street furniture
  • More greenery and places to sit
  • Better connections to the surrounding area

Why is it happening?

Emerson Street is the heart of our city, but beneath its surface, ageing pipes need attention. We need to look after Emerson and make sure it’s got what it needs to continue being the centre of the action.

By taking the opportunity to upgrade The Zip we'll make this part of Emerson safer, more resilient, accessible and welcoming. Modernising the streetscape will make maintenance cheaper and easier.

This area will become a versatile, more attractive space that will be a vibrant entranceway to our main shopping precinct, strengthening our local economy. The new layout will bring people together for events, gatherings, shopping and relaxation.

What about the rest of Emerson?

The pipes along the rest of Emerson need upgrading too. So at the same time, we're developing a multi-stage plan to get future designs for the whole Street to a ‘shovel-ready’ position. This means we’ll be ready to go if Council decides to include further pipe remediation work on Emerson in its Long Term Plan.

Check out the future!

Map of works for each stage