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A Park Close to Home

Merri-bek's “Park Close to Home” plan is about improving access to open space across Merri-bek. The aim of the plan is to ensure the Merri-bek community live within 300 metres walking distance to a park or open space for those living in our busiest areas.

As part of this plan, we have purchased the property at 568 Sydney Road, Brunswick to turn it into a new open space for the community to enjoy.

Our aim for the park is to:

  • Create a valuable green space in this busy part of the city.
  • Give people a peaceful place to rest, play, and meet away from Sydney Road.
  • Provide a safe walking and cycling link between Hope Street and Stewart Street, connecting Merri Creek to Moonee Ponds Creek.
  • Help cool the area and save water.
  • Build a new local landmark that the community can be proud of.
  • Support nearby shops and cafés by attracting more visitors.

Options for the shape and size of the park

There are 3 layout options that we are exploring for the new park. We want to find the right balance between the size of the park, traffic on Staley Street, and car parking in the area.

We would love to know what the community thinks about these options!

Take a look at the different layouts below. The blue areas show car parking and the green areas show new green space.

  • Option 1

    This option creates a small park that adds new green space without changing the existing car park.

    • 1,000 m² of new park space
    • All 36 car spaces stay the same in the Council car park — no loss of parking
    • Staley Street stays as it is now
    • A shared bike and walking path through the park will connect Hope Street and Stewart Street

  • Option 2

    This option provides more green space while keeping some car parking.

    • 1,600 m² of new park space
    • 18 car spaces kept in the Council car park, plus 9 new on-street spaces on Staley Street (a total loss of 9 spaces overall)
    • Staley Street traffic will be slower and calmer with narrower lanes and angled parking
    • A shared bike and walking path through the park will connect Hope Street and Stewart Street

  • Option 3

    This option creates the largest park, extending over Staley Street and closing it to traffic.

    • 2,000 m² of new park space
    • 18 car spaces kept in the Council car park, and 2 removed from Staley Street — a total loss of 20 spaces
    • Staley Street will be closed to through traffic, with narrower lanes and much less vehicle movement
    • A stronger connection between Hope Street and Stewart Street for bikes and other types of transport

Join the conversation

Online survey

You will need to be logged into your Conversations Merri-bek account to complete this survey.
  1. Find the rust-coloured "LOG IN/JOIN" button at the top of the page and click it to start registering.
  2. Select "LOG IN" if you already have a profile on Conversations Merri-bek OR select "SIGN UP" to create a new profile.
  3. To create your profile you will need to add: Screen name, email address, password, full name and postcode. Check the boxes that apply and click "CREATE ACCOUNT".
  4. You can now continue with your submission

We require you to register to complete the form to protect the integrity and fairness of the consultation.

The information you provide also helps us to meet our legislative obligations and improve our processes.

Your personal details will not be used for any other purpose. Find out more about our privacy policy here: https://conversations.merri-bek.vic.gov.au/privacy...

In-person events

Pop by and have a chat with our team about the new park. Grab a coffee voucher for a drink at a local cafe afterwards.

We will be onsite in the Staley Street car park. Look for the Conversations Merri-bek marquee.

Wednesday 19 November 2025

3 - 6pm

Onsite in the Staley Street car park

Saturday 29 November 2025

11am - 2pm

Onsite in the Staley Street car park

More

Other ways to submit feedback

You can also make a submission in these ways:

Mail
Simon Van Wijnen, Principal Urban Designer
Merri-bek City Council
Locked Bag 10, Brunswick 3056.

Email
SVWijnen@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

In person
Merri-bek Civic Centre at 90 Bell Street Coburg


Make sure to clearly state that your submissions is related to 568 Sydney Road.

Accessibility

We want to ensure everyone can participate. If you have communications needs, please contact the Coordinator Accessible and Inclusive Communications to share how we can best support you.

Contact Information
Name Oznur Demirhan
Phone 03 9240 2487
Email odemirhan@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

Merri-bek City Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional custodians of the lands and waterways in the area now known as Merri-bek, and pays respect to their Elders past and present, as well as to all First Nations’ communities who significantly contribute to the life of the area.


Contact Us

Phone
+61 3 9240 1111

Email
engagement@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

National relay service
133 677
(ask for ‎03 9240 1111)

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