Melbourne Is Set To Get A Whole Lot Greener With $26 Million Investment In Parks

Melbourne is set to get a whole lot greener, with the City of Melbourne’s draft 2026–27 Budget proposal investing $26 million to speed up the delivery of 13 new or upgraded parks and open spaces across the city. 

The plans mark a move to consolidate Melbourne as the Garden City, with the centrepiece of the project being the $6.4 million transformation of a warehouse on Chelmsford Street in Kensington into a community space to relax, play, and connect with nature. 

A further $5 million is set to fast-track projects across local neighbourhoods. This includes the creation of 2,500m² of open space at the pocket park on Chapman Street in North Melbourne, and the expansion of existing reserves in Southbank and at Normanby Road. 

Also on the cards is a $5.5 million investment to deliver over 5,000m² of new open space along the City Road Undercroft, and Stage Two of the $7.8 million University Square upgrade in Carlton.

Planning will also get underway for Market Square, which is being touted as the city’s largest new park, as part of the broader Queen Victoria Market renewal. Alongside that, Franklin Street will get a greener makeover to make it more pedestrian-friendly, and better connect the State Library Station to the market precinct.

With aims to transform the north bank of the Yarra, the Greenline Project is positioned to get a further boost with $4.4 million in federal funding having already been announced. 

Rounding it all out, the City plans to plant 3,000 new trees. Lord Mayor Nick Reece says the proposal demonstrates the City of Melbourne’s goal to create “a green legacy for a bigger, busier and more vibrant city”. 

The draft Budget was announced on 31 March, and public consultation will continue until 28 April. 

You might also like: 

• Over $2 Million Has Been Approved To Protect Port Phillip Bay

• $50K In Funding Approved for Victorian Music Festivals

• It’s Official: The Arthurs Seat Eagle Is Getting A Major Makeover

Image credit: City of Melbourne | Website