A new neighbourhood park featuring a playground, new lawn areas, a temporary half-basketball court and communal garden has opened for Southbank residents.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the $3.5 million Boyd Park on Kavanagh Street is set to officially open with a community event in March 2020, once the new lawn and trees have had time to establish.
“Boyd Park provides a new backyard for the thousands of residents living in Southbank,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The park is a fantastic community space for picnics and gatherings. It includes a 1300 square metre ‘village green’ area, barbecue and picnic facilities, new seating, and a new playground.”
“It features 70 new trees including beautiful Illawarra Flame Trees and nine Mexican Fan Palms.”
Other trees planted include River Birch, Blueberry Ash, Honey Locust, Southern Silky Oak, Jacarandas, Chinese Pistachio and Crepe Myrtle.
Chair of the City of Melbourne’s Environment Portfolio, Councillor Cathy Oke said Boyd Park provided flexible spaces for a range of activities.
“Southbank is one of the fastest growing suburbs in Melbourne and is home to thousands of residents who live in apartments. Boyd Park will provide the community with a green refuge,” Cr Oke said.
“Along the expanded park we have also included a new bicycle connection along Kavanagh Street.”
The Boyd Park construction was completed in eight months and included the demolition of an old classroom building on the J H Boyd Girl’s School site.
The park is part of the ongoing development of the former school site, which is being transformed to accommodate mixed-use residential and affordable housing, a boutique hotel, and retail and community facilities.
“We’re going to expand the services offered at the Boyd Community Hub including the library, maternal and child health services and creative spaces,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Affordable housing is one of the most important priorities for our city – so the development will include 40 affordable housing units.”
The joint project between the City of Melbourne and PDG Corporation is expected to be completed by 2022.
