It might not look like much now, but this disused open sewer will soon be transformed into a unique community park.
Melbourne Water has joined forces with Wyndham council, City West Water and VicRoads on Greening the Pipeline, a project aimed at converting 27 kilometres of the heritage-listed main outfall sewer line into parkland, creating “innovative open spaces” that span multiple suburbs.
The sewer line, constructed in the 1890s, runs from the old pumping station at Spotswood to the western treatment plant at Werribee.
Construction will start early in the 2016-17 financial year on a 100-metre pilot park at Williams Landing, to be followed by a 3.7- kilometre stretch spanning Williams Landing, Hoppers Crossing, Truganina and Laverton North.
The pilot park is the only part of the project that has been funded to date, and it is unclear how much the total project will finally cost. Wyndham councillor Peter Maynard said the project would revitalise the old pipeline.
“The Greening the Pipeline initiative is a truly innovative approach to the issue of what to do with a decommissioned piece of infrastructure,” Cr Maynard said.
Melbourne Water integrated planning general manager Chris Williams added: “We hope to create a vibrant space that will connect communities, enhance active transport options for the region and provide a unique space to meet, play and relax.”
Details: www.greeningthepipeline.com.au
