Bayside City Council is giving the laneway between Church Street and the Wells Street car park (behind Safeway) in Brighton a major facelift.

The installation of a new feature pavement, which extends into the car park, has created a more pedestrian-friendly space. Garden beds have been created either side of the laneway to soften the hard walls and pavement. A new mural has been painted on the wall to add interest and colour down the length of the laneway wall.

Bayside Landscape Architect Michael Jensma said Council is hoping the new changes will improve the feel of the laneway to increase amenity and a sense of safety.

“The laneway design will improve the connection between Church Street and the car park and provide a sense of entrance to the Street.

“Adjacent landowners have been included throughout the whole design and construction process to achieve the best possible outcome for all parties,” Mr Jensma said.

Two Melbourne artists, with experience completing similar projects for other councils, have painted the mural. Their brief was to vibrantly depict elements that reflect the character and environs of the Bayside area, such as the sea, bathing boxes and city skyline.

Mr Jensma said: “Council has the support from the building owners either side of the laneway to install the mural.”

The laneway works are already underway and some of the improvements can be seen already. The artists are applying the finishing touches to the mural now and the planting and bollards will be in the ground by the end of June 2009.