The second stage of a multimillion-dollar redevelopment of the Whittlesea Public Gardens in Lalor is prepared to carry out a new series of attractions.
City of Whittlesea chief executive Craig Lloyd and Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny turned the first sod on the works earlier this month.
Stage two of the upgrade will feature a 100-metre-long street-style skate park for beginner, intermediate and advanced skaters. The project will also include construction of two half-court basketball courts and the installation of a rock-climbing wall, including a kick-about space with soccer goals.
Visitors looking for comfort and convenience will be able to make use of two large shelters with barbecues, seating, drinking fountains, paths, lighting, and landscaping.
The first stage was completed earlier this year, which delivered a new playground with play towers, swings, slides, a flying fox, a riding circuit and more.
Mr Lloyd said the Barry Road facility was a crucial social hub for people in Lalor, Thomastown and surrounding areas.
“Council is committed to providing the community with public spaces that encourage residents to spend quality time with their families and friends,” he said.
“The addition of the skate park and rock-climbing wall will broaden the appeal of the park and complement the improvements made in the first stage of the redevelopment.”
The multi-stage process to enhance Whittlesea Public Gardens into a regionally significant park was first identified in a masterplan adopted in 2018.
At the council meeting in October this year, OSV Group was appointed to undertake the second stage works, which are expected to be completed by mid-2024.
The City of Whittlesea is contributing $1.35 million towards the project, additional to the State Government’s $650,000 under its Growing Suburbs Fund.
Whittlesea Public Gardens playground and toilets will stay open for the duration of the works, however there is reduced parking on site.
For more information, go to www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/publicgardens.