Revamped Melton amphitheatre has opened

09/12/2016. Melton Star Weekly. Towncentre. Issue Date 13/12. Melton Town Centre opening. Pictured are Melton Mayor Sophie Ramsey and Senator Jane Hume. Picture Melton City Council.

The revamped Melton amphitheatre has opened … and just in time for some warmer weather.

The second stage of the Melton town centre redevelopment, which includes pedestrian crossings on Palmerston Street, more street tree plantings and parking spots, wider footpaths, and a redesign of the outdoor sitting areas, officially opened last Friday.

Melton MP Don Nardella and Victorian senator Jane Hume joined Melton council representatives for the ‘ribbon-cutting’.

Melton mayor Sophie Ramsey said she hopes the new-look centre will be a more inviting place for locals and visitors alike.

“No sooner were the barricades removed than the community came out to use the upgraded amphitheatre, enjoy this beautiful new, decked outdoor area and stroll around the gorgeous new garden beds,” Cr Ramsey said.

“There is no doubt that the upgraded streetscape is drawing visitors into this area and creating an environment, ripe for some wonderful public events in the future.”

The $13 million project was funded by the federal, state and local governments, its aim being to create better connections between the Melton library on McKenzie Street and the High Street shopping strip.

Construction work on stage three of the project is scheduled to start next month and finish by late October.

This will include the redesign of McKenzie Street between the Alexandra and Palmerston streets roundabout.

Melton residents are being invited to a community event to celebrate the town centre’s re-opening, from 6-8pm on Thursday, December 15.

There will be plenty of entertainment, including multicultural performances and musicians, and face-painting for youngsters.

For more information about the project, go online at melton.vic.gov.au/towncentre.