The Bombers' Base

The Age

Saturday February 23, 2008

Allyson Fonseca

North Essendon is a charming old urban village in which to dine, shop and relax, writes Allyson Fonseca.

APPROACH North Essendon via the striking avenue of phoenix palms on Mount Alexander Road - the sense of place and local identity is palpable.

It is a vibrant urban village with complementary residential, business, leisure and community facilities. Governed by Moonee Valley City Council, the suburb is home to 10,591 people and adjacent to Essendon Airport. It is defined by its traditional shopping area, which is an important resource and focus for the local community.

Recent development has increased the mix of cafe and restaurants in the centre and introduced residential accommodation near Woodlands Park.

The township of Essendon, named after Essendon, Hertfordshire, in England, was gazetted in 1852, but only grew in spurts until residential development around North Essendon emerged in the late 19th century. A number of shops with residences were developed in the 1920s. Characterised by a mix of architectural styles, North Essendon has numerous historic buildings, mostly comprising Victorian, Edwardian and other housing from the earlier part of the 20th century.

The median house price in North Essendon is $447,500.

TOP TEN SPOTS

1 Select Sweets, 1043 Mount Alexander Road. For 28 years, this lolly shop has catered for sweet tooth cravings and specialises in hampers for all occasions, with local and imported goods. There's a huge range of sugar-free goodies as well as multicultural sweets and a dandy diabetic range. Their deluxe hand-made truffles are a must.

2 The Secret Passage Ideal for a bike ride or a leisurely stroll, this bright off-road bike route and shared path starts at the end of Birdwood Street and leads up to Bulla Road. Guided by a sea of lime hues painted along the renovated Tullamarine freeway barriers, the passage passes through the family-friendly Greville Reserve. Designed to minimise noise for the nearby residential area, the walls contain solar panels generating sustainable energy and feeding back into the power grid. Native vegetation is being planted alongside the walls.

3 North Essendon Village, Mount Alexander Road. There's a nifty range of speciality retail outlets with a focus on the daily shopping needs of locals and passing trade. The cosy village atmosphere distinguishes it from Essendon's DFO, Westfield Airport West and the Keilor Road shopping district in Niddrie.

4 The North Essendon Fire Station, 16 Bulla Road. This was built in 1930, a period in fire fighting history when stations accom-modated on-site residences for single and married employees to encourage a sense of a family-friendly organisation.

5 Max's Cafe and Wine Bar, 1 Leake Street. With breakfast served until 4pm every day, as well as pizzas and sandwiches, this cosy cafe is a favoured meeting place for local young 'uns to meander over extended meals al fresco.

6 The Lincolnshire Arms, corner of Lincoln and Keilor Roads. For hearty pub fare, visit the Linc. It is child-friendly, serves good steak and parmas, and you can chill out in the renovated beer garden.

7 Essendon North Craft Market, 1059 Mount Alexander Road. Head down to the North Essendon Village shopping strip to snare a hand-crafted bargain. For 30 years, the market has run on the last Saturday morning of the month, and every Saturday before Christmas. Try homemade cakes, biscuits, chut-neys and sauces, knitted items, baby clothes, jewellery and oil paintings.

8 David Hosking Pharmacy, 23A Keilor Road. This friendly phar-macist is renowned for developing a set of dermatological treatments for most common skin rashes, including chronic or severe skin conditions. They are ordered by many around the world and have a money-back guarantee. There's also a treasure trove of trinkets and giftware. This year marks its 20th anniversary.

9 Essendon Fields, , 7 English Street, Essendon Airport. This new shopping establishment is cen-tred around a Coles supermarket, and has 15 specialty stores and about 450 parking spots. It gives residents access to modern and accessible shopping, medical and res-taurant facilities. Locals and surrounding shoppers have a distinct advantage as Essendon Fields is con-nected to most major freeways.

10 The Grand Room Cafe, 1142 Mount Alexander Road. The cafe stands in place of the Essendon Hotel which was estab-lished in 1853 and subsequently demolished for this family-run restaurant. Their "stone grill" enables customers to enjoy a meal grilled rare, medium or well done.

HOME TRUTHS

TRANSPORT

The region is well serviced by Tullamarine and Calder freeways, Western Ring Road and CityLink. Buses operate frequently along Keilor Road and the No. 59 tram heads into Airport West or the city.

SPORTS AND RECREATION

Retail therapy can be sought at North Essendon Village, Leake Street, Lincoln Road and Keilor Road. Nearby are Buckley Park sporting facilities, Windy Hill Fitness Centre and Aberfeldie Park. Lively Irish jigs are held twice weekly at Christine Ayres School of Irish Dancing, at the Doutta Galla Youth Club Hall.

PARKS

The precinct is dotted with parks and cosy family friendly reserves such as Elm Grove, Greville Street, Kerferd Street and Vin Jervis Reserve. Woodlands Park is a relaxing haven with its ornamental lake, majestic palm trees and landscaped island.

DINING OUT

The choices are eclectic and multicultural. For the best breakfast, head to Mama Lina's cafe. China Max, 6 Keilor Road, offers all the traditional favourites.

SCHOOLS

Schools include Essendon North Primary, St John Bosco's Primary, Penleigh and Essendon Grammar, Essendon Keilor College, St Columba's and St Bernard's College. Tots can frolic at Berry Street Playgroup, phone 9370 1422 and the North Essendon Preschool, phone 9379 6802.

© 2008 The Age

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