By Juliano Oliveira
As of July 1, a section of the under-development Victoria Park will be open to the public. The 45 hectares comprising the Victoria Park Golf Course will close at 5 pm on June 30, giving way to green space for visitors.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the new area, with 33 existing bunkers filled, pathway improvements made and increased planting on-site, would immediately be opened to residents to enjoy walking, cycling, or having a picnic.
Featuring a high-ropes course, nature and water play, canopy walk and multiple dog off-leash areas, the new site is expected to be shaped according to over 5400 different ideas and become the city’s most significant new park in 50 years.
“We want to invite residents to explore the hectares of open space as we progress plans for the long-term transformation, which will include more native bushland, trees, and adventure experiences,” Cr Schrinner said.
“The Council-owned City Parklands Service, which has successfully looked after the Roma Street Parkland and South Bank, will manage Victoria Park through its transformation from a pay-and-play golf course into a freely accessible world-class parkland.
“Our City Parklands Services has a proven track record of delivering integrated world-class public open spaces with Roma Street Parkland recently voted in the top 10 Green Flag parks in the world.”
The investment behind the development of the park is $ 83 million over four years. More than 16,000 people were involved in the visioning process, with more than 5000 ideas submitted. Feedback received showed 86%support for the draft vision.
Further community consultation on the Draft Master Plan will be held in the second half of this year.