The Morley precinct continues to grow into a vibrant pedestrian-friendly activity centre, with the City of Bayswater completing works to revitalise the streetscape along Progress Street.
As part of the works, a young Cape Chestnut tree now features as the centrepiece for the roundabout, illuminated with ground-level LED lights, and surrounded by new native waterwise garden beds and paving.
City of Bayswater Mayor Dan Bull said it was wonderful to see a pedestrian-focussed design incorporated into the Morley activity centre, which also considered environmental requirements.
"The redeveloped streetscape includes increased planting and tree canopy coverage, with planter boxes along the strip and Australian native plants used throughout the landscape," he said.
"It has also increased safety for pedestrians by maintaining the existing connection between the business precinct and Morley Galleria across the roundabout, but with improved sight lines, and added security with lighting.
"We were keen to bring something new, natural and colourful to the area, and once matured, the tree will be a unique statement piece and produce stunning pink flowers.
"These works form part of the City's wider streetscape plan, which provides a blueprint for making the streets of Morley more attractive and pedestrian-friendly.
The new landscaping complements other recent enhancements in the area including the Progress Street pocket park and planting of native gum trees in the median strip.
"This area of Morley is fast becoming a thriving activity centre and a multi-cultural mecca with fantastic potential," Mayor Bull said.
"The City is working with the State Government on the Morley Station Precinct Concept Master Plan, which will be a further boost to the activity centre."
“In the coming years, we will conduct further consultation and planning to ensure the City provides an increased opportunity to live and work near the new station.
“We are pleased the State Government is planning the bus interchange and regular bus services to link the new station with the Morley activity centre, this will support the growth of this strategic metropolitan centre.
“This State Government investment, along with the City's and other private investment, will see Morley become a more vibrant destination to shop, work and live in the coming years.
“Morley is certainly ready for investment and redevelopment, with the City having completed rezoning in 2018 to enable significant commercial and residential development to occur."