In late 2020 during Covid, Hallkeeper Lane was temporarily closed to provide healthy outdoor eating options and pop-up open space. Hallkeeper Lane is opposite Moonee Ponds Train Station between Margaret Street and Des Nunan Car Park. The temporary closure of the lane resulted in new outdoor dining areas, a small pocket park and a safe pedestrian link to the car park and beyond.
In October 2023 and January 2025, Council undertook community consultations on the space to gauge community sentiment and test the viability of a permanent closure of the laneway. Overall, the community were strongly supportive of continuing the closure and retaining the laneway as a community space. You can read the full findings from these consultations in the 2023 and 2025 Community Consultation reports.
In light of this community support, Council has endorsed the proposal to make this current pedestrian area permanent. Council intends to:
- install permanent barriers at either end of the laneway, as shown on the image below.
- undertake future improvements to create a vibrant community space that includes greenery and seating. A draft concept plan will be brought to the community for consultation in mid 2025.
Please note:
- the barriers at the eastern end of the laneway have been set back from the corner to ensure continued access to the two car spaces at the rear of 12 Margaret Street.
- the barriers can be removed for emergency and maintenance purposes.
April 2025 update
Thank you to everyone who provided their submission. This consultation has now closed. A summary of the submission findings is provided in the Community Consultation Report linked to this page. On 29th April 2025, Council has endorsed the proposal to proceed with closing Hallkeeper Lane to vehicular traffic.
A draft concept plan is underway and will be available for the community to have their say by mid-2025.
