June 2025 update
Thank you to everyone who provided their submission regarding the Stage 3 community consultation on the draft concept plan for the future use of Hallkeeper Lane. This consultation has now closed.
May 2025 update
A draft concept plan has been developed for the future use of Hallkeeper Lane, and we have heard from you.
The upgraded lane will offer a welcoming community space that balances outdoor dining, leisure, and pedestrian movement in a family-friendly setting.
Image credits: For full image credits click on the 'draft concept plan' link above.
Key features as shown on the above plan include:
- Long benches, offer flexible seating arrangement for outdoor dining during restaurant hours
- Plantar boxes with integrated seating
- Seating/play mounds
- An interactive ground mural
In particular, Council is keen to find out:
- How you currently use Hallkeeper Lane
- How satisfied you are with the way the space is proposed to be used
- How you intend to use the newly designed space
- Your thoughts on the existing murals in the space and the overall look and feel of the design
April 2025 update
Thank you to everyone who provided their submission regarding the Stage 2 community consultation on the proposal to permanently close Hallkeeper Lane to vehicular traffic. This consultation has now closed, with summary findings available here. On 29th April 2025, Council endorsed the proposal to proceed with permanently closing Hallkeeper Lane to vehicular traffic.
Background
Hallkeeper Lane is opposite Moonee Ponds Train Station between Margaret Street and Des Nunan Car Park. Since late 2022, Hallkeeper Lane has been closed to vehicular traffic for activation and outdoor dining purposes to support local businesses. 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.
