Since the first phase of community engagement in April-May 2024, we have been refining design options for the transformation of Chapman Street Reserve.
The key priorities are to:
- Increase available green space by making better use of the two existing grassed pocket parks.
- Improve safety for pedestrians, bike riders, and vehicles in the area.
Draft concept report
Background
In 2024, City of Melbourne asked the community for feedback on our proposal to enhance Chapman Street Reserve.
We heard from over 260 people – with 87 per cent of participants supporting the proposal to expand and improve the reserve.
We also heard that the community values smooth and efficient traffic flow and car parking.
Based on this feedback, we’ve developed a draft concept plan informed by our core design principles: water, ecology and community.
Project vision
Design Principles
Design Principles: Community. Terraces with city views, diverse range of spaces and experiences, interpretive play elements.
Design Principles: Ecology. Introduce diverse habitat, introduce more native plants, improve soil health.
Design Principles: Water. Use water as a sensory element and habitat, reference the hidden waterway, filter stormwater and mitigate flood risk.
Proposed changes
Select each spot to learn more about the proposed changes. This image is best viewed on desktop.
The draft concept proposes a range of new features as indicated on the map above.
A summary of these proposed changes include:
- more than 2500 square metres of additional open space for the community to enjoy
- over 20 new trees to provide shade and help to create a cooler environment in summer
- a one-way road loop around the reserve with the construction of a new road running parallel to Harker Street
- moving the bike path to be on the road, creating a shared zone for bikes and cars
- a mix of plants to provide habitat for birds and insects, and to create a buffer from the surrounding roads
- open lawn areas for the community to gather and relax
- a dry creek bed meanders through the park with boulders as a playful landscape feature
- a mix of seating options and picnic tables to provide comfortable spaces for rest
- a drinking tap and rubbish bins
- improved footpaths and crossing points to help pedestrians move through the area safely
- rain garden to clean stormwater, support wildlife and would feed into the Moonee Ponds Creek
- removing up to 10 parking bays and improving the layout of existing parking bays.
Before/after
Swipe to see the proposed before and after
Slide the arrow across to see the existing reserve and proposed changes.
Slide the arrow across to see an existing and proposed street section.
The cross-section illustrates the sites existing and proposed conditions. The right side will be expanded to include a series of gathering pockets, while the left side will feature new mounds and playful elements. A new rain garden in the lower median will help filter stormwater from adjacent streets.
