The City of Melbourne is expanding its green spaces by transforming concrete areas into new parks and public spaces to accommodate its growing population.
Nine new parks and open spaces will be opened or developed across the city, with a $29.5 million investment in open spaces proposed in the 2024-25 draft budget.
These plans include the potential expansion of Normanby Road Reserve in Southbank by up to 1.2 hectares, subject to approval at a forthcoming Council meeting. The $22.5 million project aims to provide a range of amenities, including play areas, recreational lawns and community meeting spaces, as well as extensive planting and water management features.
Known for its dense population, Southbank will see progress on several key projects, including the forecourt of the Australian Centre of Contemporary Art and the Miles and Dodds Street Reserve.
Community consultation will soon begin on the City Road Masterplan's Northern Undercroft, which will see a 5,000m2 area transformed into multi-functional spaces, gardens and public plazas.
In addition, the introduction of the Southbank Boulevard Reserves will bring an additional 4,000m2 of open space to Southbank.
North Melbourne will welcome the Bedford Street Pocket Park next year, with a new playground, BBQ and picnic areas and more recreational space.
The Budget also includes $30 million for the protection and maintenance of parks and gardens and $1.7 million for the planting of 3000 trees across the City.