Council to create two new parks for the City's future (Media release)

For the first time, Merri-bek City Council has purchased property and land that will be transformed into two new parks.

The first of the two new parks will be located at 55-61 Tinning Street, Brunswick, an area of 2000square metres. The second park will be created at what is currently 1,3,5,7 and 11 West Street and 29 and 31 Breese Street, Brunswick, an area of 2,600square metres. Both of these locations are currently industrial locations, with West and Breese Streets transitioning to residential areas in the city.

The location for the new parks was identified due to the area’s projected population density and gaps in proximity to nearby open space.

“We are extremely proud to announce the creation of these new parks for our community. It is the first time Council has actively purchased property for this purpose and is part of our larger plan to provide for the needs of our growing community,” said Cr Natalie Abboud, Mayor of the Merri-bek City Council.

The creation of the new parks is part of Council’s A Park Close to Home initiative that seeks to address the impacts of projected population growth by actively purchasing land in areas that have been assessed as having low or no access to open space.

A Park Close to Home outlines a long term plan to ensure that everyone living in the City of Merri-bek is within 500 metres walking distance of a park or open space, and within 300 metres for those living in the city’s busiest, high-density areas.

“Moreland’s population is growing. By 2036 an additional 43,000 people will be living here, and with more people living in apartments and in smaller houses with smaller back yards, Council wants to ensure that everyone in our community has access to all the health and wellbeing benefits of open space.” said Cr Abboud.

The announcement of the land purchased for the two new parks was made as part of an event on 22 March 2019, where children from the Brunswick North Primary School created art pieces illustrating their ideas for their new parks.

The purchase of the property and land was made possible through Council’s Open Space Contribution Fund and cost $18.9 million. Council will continue to actively investigate the purchase of land to deliver more parks and open space for current and future residents.

Community consultations will be held in mid 2019 so the community can have their say on the use and design of the new parks. The parks are expected to be complete by 2020.