Project update - September 2026
Gamuda is currently progressing design development which includes testing the feasibility of the endorsed concept design through technical site investigations and engagement with service authorities.
Through this work, it has become evident that the extent and complexity of underground services across the site posed a greater range of constraints than initially understood. This has affected the feasibility of delivering some components, such as the barbeque facilities and play equipment, which have been removed from the project scope.
Options are currently being explored with service authorities to achieve the necessary clearance from the underground infrastructure, while also ensuring alignment with the original design objectives. Gamuda is currently completing further technical assessments, to determine the feasibility of these alternative options.
Additionally, the State Government released the Fishermans Bend Integrated Transport Plan in September 2025 which removed the requirement for a strategic cycling corridor through Johnson Street. This has created an opportunity to remove the shared path / future cycling lane that was originally proposed, allowing alternative design options to be explored in this space.
Subject to Gamuda securing all necessary agreements and approvals, the project is anticipated commence construction by mid-2027.
While Council is not responsible for preparing designs or constructing the park, it is closely involved in reviewing the evolving design and providing feedback to help ensure the project aligns with Council’s specifications and intentions of the original concept.
At this stage, a revised design has not been finalised.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Open Space Project Delivery Team on this email HelpdeskProjectDelivery@portphillip.vic.gov.au
You can read the Johnson Street Park Community Engagement Summary Report here.
The Johnson Street Park project is being delivered by Gamuda, the developer of 272-280 Normanby Road, through a Works-in-Kind Agreement with the City of Port Phillip (Council) and the State Government.
This agreement is in lieu of the developer paying contributions to the State Government as part of the Fishermans Bend Development Contributions Plan.
Under this arrangement, Gamuda is responsible for leading the design, construction and associated feasibility assessments of the project.
Council's role is to provide input into the design process and oversee the relevant approval pathways, as the future asset owner and manager.
Council endorsed a concept design prepared by Gamuda at a Meeting on 4 September 2024. This has informed the scope of the project, which includes:
- a central lawn area;
- landscaped garden beds;
- play equipment;
- barbecue facilities;
- shade structures;
- park furniture;
- shared pedestrian and cycling paths;
- footpaths; and
- water sensitive urban design elements.
The purpose of the concept design is to demonstrate the best spatial configuration of these elements, which will be subject to refinement and feasibility testing through the detailed design phase, current being undertaken by Gamuda.
The concept design was given statutory effect through the Incorporated Document Johnson Street Park via Planning Scheme Amendment C233port.
Fishermans Bend is Australia's largest urban renewal precinct, covering 485 hectares just 3km from Central Melbourne. By 2050 it will be home to 80,000 residents, 80,000 workers and 20,000 tertiary education students.
The Fishermans Bend Framework 2018 is the State Governments plan to guide the transformation of Fishermans Bend. The Framework sets the vision for the area, including a spatial plan showing network of new and upgraded parks, streets, and community facilities to be delivered over the next 30 years to ensure liveability as the precinct grows.
In 2023 the State Government released the draft Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Development Contributions Plan (DCP) which identifies a range of essential local infrastructure projects that will be funded by contributions collected by the State Government from developers over the next 30 years. In lieu of providing contributions, developers may seek agreement with the State Government to deliver works-in-kind.
The closure of the southern end of Johnson Street to create a neighbourhood park is identified in the draft DCP to be funded for delivery in the short-term (2024-2034). The delivery of the Johnson Street Park project by Gamuda is consistent with the draft DCP delivery program.
