Project Updates

We are excited to share that construction works are commencing on the Gasworks Park Upgrade.

Tree Removals

Tree planting and extensive revegetation is proposed for the park upgrade. As part of the upgrade and the installation of the new playground, Council is committed to planting a total of 312 trees and 3,586 plants.

There are 63 trees that are in decline or have been assessed as unsafe that will be removed as part of these works. Tree removals will commence in late-February. The trees nominated for removal have been sign posted.

The park upgrade planting design is available here: Gasworks Upgrade Planting Design

Construction Commencement Update

The Gasworks Park Upgrade works will be completed in 2 stages.

Stage 1: March to April 2025

Stage 2: April to July 2025

The areas highlighted in yellow will undergo brief closures to minimise public disruption.

Signs will be installed in advance to notify all users of the temporary changes.

Throughout Stage 1 and Stage 2 works the public will have access to:

  • Gasworks theatres
  • Gasworks office
  • Café
  • Art studios
  • Public toilets
  • Playground

During the closure period, use of this area is not permitted and dogs must remain on-leash at all times. The next closest dog off-leash areas are Lagoon Reserve and Port Melbourne Beach, between Port Melbourne Yacht Club and Lagoon Pier.

Dog off-leash information can be found online:

dog-off-leash_map_beaches_1224_fa-online.pdf

dog-off-leash-maps-parks-and-reserves-03-01-2025.pdf

Plan of Gasworks Art Park showing the 2 stages of the upgrade

Consultation completed.

Community consultation on the draft Concept Plan was conducted from 31 August to 24 September 2023.

We heard from more than 180 community members via:

  • An online survey, asking participants for feedback on the draft design
  • Two on-site pop-up sessions on 12 and 16 December 2023
  • Meetings with key stakeholder groups.

Community feedback was largely supportive of the draft plan. Changes made to the Concept Plan in response to feedback include:

  • Raised planters in the Market Plaza are reduced in number and amended to a stacked stone design more in keeping with the bushland character of the park.
  • Retention of the path alignment to the arts studio.
  • Additional picnic settings.
  • Increase in available seating.
  • Retention of maze area.
  • Adjustments to artwork locations.
  • Child and toddler swing added to the grass area.

The Concept Plan was endorsed unanimously by Council at a meeting held on 21 August 2024, the agenda and minutes are available on the Council meeting website.

A Contamination Management Framework (CMF) has been prepared by environmental consultants engaged by the Department of Transport and Planning. The recommendations in this framework have been accepted by Council.

The CMF recommendations will guide all site management and construction works associated with the park upgrade project.

Gasworks Park Upgrade Project

Council presented the Gasworks Park Draft Park Plan to the community in April 2022.

Engagement activities included:

  • two pop-ups at the reserve,
  • a survey for residents and park users,
  • meetings with key stakeholders.

The engagement summary report is available on this page.

Gasworks Park Playground Project

In addition, Council presented a draft concept plan for a new playground to the community in June 2023. Engagement activities included:

  • two pop-ups at the reserve,
  • a survey for residents and park users,
  • meetings with key stakeholders including a student workshop at Albert Park Primary and discussion session with Albert Park College.

Information received from the community consultation has been considered when finalising the playground design. In response to the feedback, the design now includes:

  • Fencing to separate the new playground from the market plaza.
  • Access to the playground via entry gates.
  • Large shade umbrellas, positioned over the junior play structure and junior swings to allow for immediate shade due to heat emanating from the wall.
  • Monkey bars, an additional climbing net, and a shop front to the junior play structure.
  • Rocks and logs have been adjusted to create more meaningful play opportunities for children in the nature play zones.
  • Two sculptures, designed by a local Gasworks artist, to be located in the nature-play areas of the new playground.

The engagement summary report and final design are available in the document library.