2024-2025 Capital works

Darebin’s capital works program continues its strong focus on investment in new and renewed infrastructure.

In 2024/2025 Council spent approximately $22.4 million against its capital works program, demonstrating a significant investment across our local government area.

John Hall Reserve Pavilion, Kingsbury

The construction of John Hall Reserve Pavilion was a priority project that addressed the gap in gender-inclusive facilities for sporting clubs. Construction began on site in August 2024. Council officers attended regular site meetings, reviewed contractor communications and kept stakeholders informed of progress. The centre opened in July 2025 and is now being used by the community.

Project cost 2024/2025: $2,579,162
Total project cost: $2,751,504

KP Hardiman Pavilion

The design of KP Hardiman Pavilion redevelopment was completed in 2023/2024. An open tender for construction was conducted and the contract to the successful builder was awarded in December 2024. Work started on site in March 2025. The pavilion design focused on delivering a modern, functional, safe, welcoming, environmentally sustainable facility tailored to meeting the needs and improving the experience for women and girls as a players, coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators. Works included demolition of the existing pavilion.

Project cost 2024/2025: $1,020,000
Total project cost: $3,224.000

De-gassing projects

Council continued its progress towards the electrification of all buildings, assets and fleet vehicles by 2030, with the aims of operating entirely on renewable energy. This transition is a key part of our commitment to delivering cleaner, more energy-efficient infrastructure that is future-ready, cost-effective and environmentally responsible.

As part of this initiative, heat pumps were installed at Crispe Pavilion, JE Moore, Ruthven Reserve and the Reservoir Community and Learning Centre. Electric ovens were fitted at Preston City Hall, Fairfield Civic Centre and the Reservoir Community and Learning Centre. A new heating and cooling system was installed at JE Moore and outdated gas heaters were removed from the Reservoir Senior Citizens Centre.

These upgrades support our shared goal of reducing carbon emissions, lowering operational costs, and creating more sustainable community and sporting facilities for the long term. 

Project cost in 2024/2025: $355,701

Road resurfacing program

Almost $1.6 million was invested to resurface road sections at end of life throughout the City. The program draws on funding from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program as well as Council’s own funding contributions. In total, 36 sections of road were resurfaced. The program included the rehabilitation of Botha Avenue, Reservoir, and Hickford Street and Darebin Boulevard, Reservoir. A new raised intersection and zebra crossings promoted a safer speed environment and provided safer crossing points for pedestrians and improved connections to the Reservoir Views Primary School. Environmentally friendly asphalt was used in the works. One of the products used steel slag, a waste product from the steel-making industry that would otherwise go to landfill. It has great wear-resistant qualities and it increases road safety by providing better skid resistance. A second product used recycled soft plastics from bags and packaging and waste glass and toner from used printer cartridges destined for landfill. Use of these products aligns with the Council’s Social and Sustainable Procurement Policy.

Project cost 2024/2025: $1,392,030

Merri Commons

In 2022, the Victorian Government allocated $1.5 million to support open space improvements at Merri Common through the Better Parks and Playgrounds Program. The Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action has been confirmed as the delivery partner for the Merri Common improvements and works at nearby parks including Peters Reserve, Caddayes Corner and Green Memorial Reserve. Council did due diligence assessments and engaged with our community on draft concept designs to ensure the upgrades reflected the community’s vision for the future of these spaces. Council will continue working closely with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and key stakeholders including VicTrack and Metro Trains Melbourne to deliver the project and ensure its long-term success.

Project cost 2024/2025: $101,935
Total project cost: $708,354

Transport safety projects

Council invested $300,000 in safety upgrades around schools to encourage healthy sustainable travel and strengthen school communities. Some specific projects included the construction of a new raised threshold at Clapham Street and Hutton Street near Thornbury Primary School and a new raised school crossing at James Street, Northcote, outside St Joseph Primary School.

Project cost 2024/2025: $760,404

Raleigh St Community Children’s Centre

In partnership with the State Government, Council completed the expansion of this kindergarten and an upgrade to the learning and play areas in January 2025. This enabled the kindergarten to offer 22 more places to local children and gave more children of all abilities new ways to socialise, develop and learn.

Project cost 2024/2025: $439,772

Maryborough Avenue Childcare Centre

The Maryborough Avenue Kindergarten expansion is part of Council’s four-year Capital Works Plan. It is jointly funded by Council and the State Government through the Building Block partnership. Council appointed the winning contractor at its February 2024 Council Meeting. Construction began in April and is tracking well. Completion is scheduled for January 2026.

Project cost 2024/2025: $426,250 Total project cost: $3,083,553