Highton’s North Valley Road Shopping Centre has undergone a green makeover with existing garden beds replanted, new beds created and more trees planted.

The City’s $50,000 greening project at the popular strip has finished by local company BC Garden Construction on time and to budget.

Small businesses remained open during the works – the first upgrade of the strip in 12 years.

Mayor Trent Sullivan said he visited North Valley and Mount Pleasant roads this morning to see the outcome of the project.

“Council was eager to make this shopping centre more appealing for shoppers, workers and traders and I definitely think that has been achieved with the new greenery and indigenous understory plants,” Mayor Sullivan said.

“I encourage the community to keep supporting the terrific businesses along the strip and enjoy the enhanced biodiversity during their visit.”

Engagement between March and May on the draft concept plan saw 590 visitors to our Have Your Say page and 48 pieces of feedback.

Kardinia ward Councillor Ron Nelson said community members were supportive of the project and made a number of suggestions that were incorporated into the final layout.

“The team listened closely to the Highton community and those who travel through the area by increasing the number of plants in garden beds instead of planting trees in the middle of the road,” Cr Nelson said.

“We’re really thankful to the community and traders for their support of the project and sharing their hopes for a healthy environment and thriving shopping centre.”

This project is part of our efforts to improve tree canopy and habitat for native pollinators as part of the City’s Sustainability Framework and Urban Forest Strategy 2015-2025.