Online info sessions
We're hosting 2 online information sessions on Wednesday 12 April. Register for a session to chat with us and find out more.
The draft concept design is ready for your feedback!
In 2022, we consulted with the community on the new park. Thank you to everyone who shared thoughts and ideas! We received lots of great feedback about what people want to see in the future space.
Our draft concept design is now ready for you to view and comment on. Scroll down the page to explore the concept and tell us your thoughts.
You can share your feedback in a few different ways:
What you said
View the Design Ideas - your feedback PDF to see a more detailed snapshot of the results.
What we heard
People were most excited about the 'Glow Forest' idea, as well as some design elements from 'Civic Stage' and 'Clay Ground'.
What we heard was important:
- Lots of canopy trees and planting - a cool, natural environment and a place of respite
- A flexible space which could accommodate gatherings or community activities
- Diverse seating options, including a lawn area
- Indigenous/native planting
Our Draft Concept Design is informed by this feedback and comments we received on all 3 ideas.
What we did
Draft concept design
Click on the hotspots on the plan to see the design elements and for more detail about how we addressed your key concerns including accessibility, safety and climate resilience.
Design Inspiration: The Rocky Country
The 260 Sydney Road park is designed as a window into the 'rocky' country of Merri-bek and Brunswick. It will be a place where the community can be immersed in a forested, green space which is inspired by the past, present and future.
Below is a collage of images showing the types of materials and natural textures that inspired the design of the park. Click on the hot spots to learn about how we're responding to the community's feedback about connection to nature, climate resilience and biodiversity.
How you can participate
Your feedback on the Draft Concept Design is important to us. Join the conversation by registering for an online session, joining our events at 260 Sydney Road, or filling out the online survey.
-
-
Chat to us in person
We're holding 2 events at 260 Sydney Rd. See the concept in virtual reality, tell us what you think and enjoy a free coffee on us!
-
Online survey
Share your thoughts on the Draft Concept Design in an online survey.
-
Help us name the park!
Have an idea for the name of the new park?
Share it with us here!
Background information
About 260 Sydney Rd
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 500 metres walking distance to a park or open space, and within 300 metres for those living in our busiest areas.
As part of this plan, we have purchased the property at 260 Sydney Rd in the heart of Brunswick (opposite the Brunswick Town hall, facing Sydney Road) to turn it into a public open space.
The Draft Concept Design is preliminary only. The renders are artists' impressions, illustrating what an established (15+ year old) space would look and feel like. The scope of works and design is subject to review by authorities and further costing, and community feedback.
Like many areas of Brunswick, there is some underground contamination on this site. This will be addressed to make the site safe for use, but it means we won't be able to include a playground as part of the project. Instead we'll focus on making the space safe and inviting for kids, somewhere they can play and rest.
Remediating contamination will also place constraints on our budget. This is something we'll have more information about as we work through the detailed design with our engineers.
There is a 2m wide footway easement at the north of the site (on the cafe side). This means we have to keep this area of the park clear of plants, furniture or other features which might obstruct movement through the site.
Events at the TwoSixty site
The temporary programming of the TwoSixty site by “These Are The Projects We Do Together” has come to an end. Some great events have been held over the last 18 months demonstrating how the site can and will be used going forward. Council would like to thank The Projects team and all the groups, artists and community members who have run and attended events – the variety and quality of activities has been incredible.
The site is still available for public use, both informally and for organised events and activities. Click on the tab below for more details.
While design and planning works continue for the future park, the site is still available for public use, both informally and for organised events and activities.
Information about using the site for formal events can be found at:
Planning an event (merri-bek.vic.gov.au) or contact the Festival Officer at communityevents@moreland.vic.gov.au or calling 9240 1111 for advice.
If you would like to get in touch with “These Are The Projects We Do Together” or find out more about the great work they are doing in Merri-bek and across Melbourne go to These Are The Projects We Do Together
The Twosixty projector public art platform provides a platform for artists, students, and filmmakers, to present work through month-long looped projections from dusk to dawn. Curated and managed by the Little Projector Company, the Twosixty Projector is a projected creative notice board for the communities of Merri-Bek, actively prioritising content of artists, curators who are First Nations people, CALD, women, LGBTIQ and people with disability.
