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 Council undertook community consultation 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 consultation report here.

In light of this community support, Council is proposing to make this current pedestrian area permanent. If approved, 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 early-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.

Have your say!

In order to progress the above proposal, Council at its recent meeting on 10 December 2024 resolved to commence the formal procedures under the Local Government Act 1989 to permanently close Hallkeeper Lane to vehicular traffic.

As part of its community engagement process Council is inviting submissions on this proposal. Any person wishing to make a submission must do so in writing by no later than 24 January 2025. Submissions can be either:

  • posted to Helen Sui, Chief Executive Officer, Moonee Valley City Council, 9 Kellaway Ave, Moonee Ponds VIC3039;
  • delivered to Council’s Service Centre, 9 Kellaway Ave, Moonee Ponds;
  • emailed to yoursay@mvcc.vic.gov.au; or
  • submitted via an online form

All Submissions will be considered by Council in accordance with section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989 prior to making a decision in relation to this proposal.

In their written submission, a person is entitled to request to appear and be heard in person in support of their submission or to be represented by a person specified in their submission.

The Hearing of Submissions Committee will be arranged and those requesting to be heard will be notified of the meeting day, time and place, to be held in mid-March 2025.

The Hearing of Submissions Committee meeting details will also be published on Council’s website.

Any person making a written submission is advised that details of submissions may be included within the official Council agendas and minutes, which are public documents and are available on the Council’s website.