The redesign of Grattan Street into a ‘grand promenade’ was a complex project to accommodate the safe use and interaction of several user groups including bike and e-scooter riders, pedestrians and vehicles including ambulances and other emergency vehicles.

Symal, on behalf of Victoria’s Big Build Metro Tunnel Project needed to deliver a complete overhaul of Grattan Street adjacent to the new Parkville Train Station opening in 2025.

The client’s aspirations were high, in keeping with the scale and contribution of the Metro Tunnel project. They had to accommodate wider footpaths and more pedestrian crossings, bicycle lanes separated from traffic, 250 new bike parking spaces as well as more than 100 trees and nearly 3,000m² of plants.

The client needed high-quality, long-lasting surface treatments to clearly delineate safe lanes and spaces as well as pedestrian crossings that would be heavily used following the re-opening of Grattan Street after 6 years of construction works for the Parkville Train Station.

OmniGrip Direct worked closely with Symal to play our part in bringing their ambitious plans for Grattan Street and the expected future uses of the transformed spaces to life.

As the client was looking for durable and sustainable products that would handle the expected increase in use by bike and e-scooter riders and pedestrians as well as vehicles, we recommended the use of 1,344m2 of Emerald Green Coloured Surface Treatment (OmniGrip CST), 60m2 of Raspberry Red OmniGrip CST and significant sections of long-lasting OmniGrip Linemarking.

Long-lasting OmniGrip CST complies with VicRoads Section 431, ensuring it met stringent safety and quality standards. It not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal but also improved the safety of all road users by clearly delineating different lanes and crossing points on Grattan Street.

In fact, OmniGrip CST exceeds all slip resistance standards of any road authority in Australia, and any other alternative coloured surface treatment currently on the market, giving confidence to Symal who enthusiastically accepted our recommendation to use it.

Comprising 75% Australian 3mm crushed Recycled Glass, the use of OmniGrip CST on Grattan Street also diverted glass from landfill.

The surface treatments were applied meticulously to ensure long-lasting performance, reducing the need for frequent, costly maintenance and minimising disruptions to the community.

• Safe and easy movement: Reopening the final section of Grattan Street between Royal Parade and Bouverie Street means it will be easier to get around Parkville for the thousands of medical staff, students, patients and family members who visit the area every day.
• OmniGrip Direct’s durable surface treatments clearly delineate different lanes and crossing points, ensuring safe interactions between bike riders, e-scooter riders, pedestrians, and vehicles.
• Sustainable Materials: OmniGrip CST, comprising 75% Australian 3mm crushed recycled glass, diverted substantial amounts of glass from landfill. This sustainable choice aligns with the project’s high environmental standards, contributing to the overall eco-friendliness of the Metro Tunnel Project’s urban redesign.
• Long-lasting Performance: By exceeding all slip resistance standards of any road authority in Australia, OmniGrip CST ensures a durable and safe surface for all users. The meticulous application of these treatments minimises the need for frequent maintenance, reducing costs and disruptions for the community over time.
• Supporting new Train Stations and Metro Tunnel: Grattan Street is a key access and exit point for the new Parkville Station. It will connect this world-class education, health and research precinct to the rail network with several station entrances on the doorstep of The University of Melbourne and some of Victoria’s biggest hospitals.

This will also support users of the iconic Metro Tunnel project by providing safer connections that also relieve pressure on local trams and roads.