In late 2025, engagement on the Footscray Public Space Projects allowed residents and businesses to share feedback on proposals for the Leeds and Donald streets intersection, Byron Plaza, Nicholson Street Concept Design and the Donald Street Reserve.

Overwhelmingly, there was strong support for each proposal! Respondents liked the fact there will be more open space, while there were calls for more shading, more seating, and to maximise planting/greening.

You can learn more by reading the Engagement Summary Report.

Works have commenced in Byron Plaza and construction work for the Leeds and Donald streets intersection will commence in late 2026.

We're planning to create a new open space and improve the intersection at Leeds and Donald Streets. The space will build on the existing street closure at Leeds Street and provide a more welcoming, intimate space for the community.

University, Footscray Park, and the wider Footscray CBD. It will also increase greenery and help cool the area.

We're planning to increase shade and greenery at Byron Plaza to improve this well-loved public space in central Footscray.

These improvements aim to make the area more comfortable and encourage people to spend more time there.

We're proposing upgrades to Nicholson Street (between Barkly Street and Donald Street) to improve pedestrian safety and comfort. It will widen footpaths, provide more greenery, increase outdoor dining and improve lighting.

The Concept Design aims to create a cooler, more resilient street environment, encourage slower vehicle speeds, and support increased cycling – particularly to Victoria University and the new Footscray Hospital.

There will be a reduction in car parking to support a safer pedestrian space and provide more outdoor dining along Nicholson Street. Exact numbers will become known through the design process.

The Donald Street Reserve slip lane removal and open space improvement project will increase the size of the site at the corner of Moore Street and Donald Street.

The project aims to improve pedestrian safety, and increase greening and cooling in the area.

This is a design project for year one to support delivery in year two. Further investigations will understand impacts on existing signal and traffic volumes with Council's Transport team and the Department of Transport and Planning.