Southbank's Boyd Park moves a step closer

The City of Melbourne's Boyd Park concept plan is a step closer to being realised with Melbourne City Council via its Future (Planning) Committee forum, endorsing the scheme and resolving to issue a Planning Permit.

To facilitate the project, demolition of the former school building fronting Balston Street will need to occur allowing Council to upgrade the landscaping and expand the existing Boyd Community Hub into Kavanagh Street. 

The structure is not included in the Heritage Overlay or classified on the Victorian Heritage Register, with the landscaping works proposed along City Road frontage exempted by Heritage Victoria.

The endorsed scheme has been prepared by the Council’s City Design Studio which in tandem with the Open Space Planning Team have undertaken extensive community consultations regarding the expansion and improvement of the park since October 2014.

Demolition of the old classroom building is due to commence next month with the construction of the park slated for August/September 2018.

14 on-street car parking spaces will be removed to allow for the expansion of the park into Kavanagh Street.

The plan for Boyd park will comprise the following areas and elements;

Forecourt Garden:

• Retention of existing garden bed planting and seating on City Road.
• Development of existing lawn with raised communal planters.
• Seating edges on garden planters.
• Two generous pathways into the Boyd site.

North Lawn:

• Raised sunny lawn area with shade trees and seating for relaxation.
• Large outdoor space with tables and seating for outdoor dining outside the existing café .
• Generous site entry and gathering area at City Road frontage and improved access to the tram stop via new entry and future raised crossing point.

School Yard:

• Line markings for flexible child-friendly games.
• Sloping lawn and amphitheatre seating opportunities for gatherings and events.
• New garden spaces and shade trees.

Forest Garden:

• Timber and rock seats and edges for gathering and reading.
• Deciduous trees for shade in summer and access to sunlight in winter.
• Sensory gardens and spaces that encourage informal nature-play.

Picnic & Play Terrace:

• Picnic tables and BBQ facilities for gathering and outdoor dining.
• Playground with play equipment.
• Informal play spaces amongst shade trees and places to sit.

Village Green:

• Large open sunny lawn space for flexible activities.
• Shade trees and seating walls around lawn edges for resting and shade.
• Generous pathways and park lighting around the perimeter of the green to provide a strong link through Boyd park.

Boyd Park will add much needed open space to Southbank - one of Melbourne’s most densely populated suburbs - joining OSK Property's Melbourne Square and City of Melbourne's vision for Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street transformation.

The first stage of Melbourne Square which includes the park is already under construction with construction commencing on Stage 1 of the Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street transformation commencing in July.