The University Square Master Plan sets the direction to transition a 19th century landscape into a modern space that will provide more room for the community and complement a range of future uses, while recognising the rich history of the site.

The Master Plan was endorsed in 2016 and outlines a vision for the Square that will better serve the local community, students, workers and visitors. Stage One was completed in 2019, creating a large new open space, additional trees, a biodiverse garden, seating and terrace spaces.

With the Parkville Station set to open in 2025, University Square will become the doorstep to one of the city’s newest public transport hubs. That’s why City of Melbourne has updated the Master Plan - responding to the many changes the Metro Tunnel will make to Carlton.

The refresh provides an update on the actions from the 2016 Master Plan, including actions that have been adapted to create a world-class space for the community that complements its future uses.

We’re now planning for Stage 2 of the project, which was endorsed by the Future Melbourne Committee on Tuesday 23 April 2024.

As a result, University Square Stage 2 will now move through a detailed design process. Construction works will not begin until after Parkville Station, which is being delivered as part of the Victorian Government’s Metro Tunnel Project, is completed (this is expected to be in 2025).

Community consultation

Feedback we heard on the University Square Stage 2 draft concept design.

News

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    Community consultation on the University Square Master Plan and Stage One design plan

    2014 to 2016

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    Stage 1 - What's your vision community engagement

    1 September to 13 October 2014

  • Timeline item 3 - complete

    Review community feedback and develop ideas plan

    October 2014 to January 2015

  • Timeline item 4 - complete

    Stage 2 - Ideas plan community engagement

    16 January to 11 March 2015

  • Timeline item 5 - complete

    Review community feedback on ideas plan and develop draft master plan

    March to August 2015

  • Timeline item 6 - complete

    Stage 3 - Draft Concept Plan community engagement

    25 August to 5 October 5 2015

  • Timeline item 7 - complete

    Review Concept Plan feedback and prepare draft Master Plan

    October 2015 to July 2016

  • Timeline item 8 - complete

    Draft Master Plan released for feedback

    26 August to 19 September 2016

  • Timeline item 9 - complete

    Master Plan presented to Council and adopted

    December 2016

  • Timeline item 10 - complete

    Master Plan implementation

    October 2017 to May 2018

  • Timeline item 11 - complete

    Parkville Station (Metro Tunnel) construction commences

    2018

  • Timeline item 12 - complete

    Stage 1 open to public 

    2019

  • Timeline item 13 - complete

    Temporary artwork by Sean Lynch installed

    2021

  • Timeline item 14 - complete

    MPavilion installed on site

    2022

  • Timeline item 15 - complete

    Master Plan Refresh commences

    2023

  • Timeline item 16 - complete

    Engagement on Stage Two draft concept design

    5 October to 20 November 2023

  • Timeline item 17 - complete

    Integrate engagement findings into final concept design and present to community

    Early 2024

  • Timeline item 18 - complete

    University Square Stage 2 Concept Design endorsed by the Future Melbourne Committee

    23 April 2024

  • Timeline item 19 - active

    Works to begin, following detailed design process on Stage 2 Concept Design

    Expected to be 2025

Document library

Master Plan Refresh

Contact us

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