Learn more about what's happening now

Balaclava and St Kilda East have the lowest amount of open space of all the neighbourhoods in our City. Currently, Balaclava and St Kilda East have eight open spaces, making up only 5% of the total neighbourhood area. This is significantly lower than the City of Port Phillip average of 17%.

Recently, 49, 49A and 51 Pakington Street in St Kilda have been acquired by Council to increase public open space by expanding Pakington Street Reserve. This comes after a previous project in 2025, where the reserve expanded to encompass the site at 43 Pakington Street.

These small parks will provide important open space to our community, minimise the urban heat effect and help to cool our city. They will help to support Balaclava’s growing population, which is expected to grow by almost 9% over the next 15 years.

The size and residential location of the small parks will mean they’re not active recreation spaces. Instead, they are designed to provide small green spaces where our community can enjoy sunshine, nature, relax under a tree and socialise with friends and family.

Using the feedback provided in March and April 2025, we have developed a concept plan for the expanded reserve that we are seeking community feedback on.

Learn more about previous stages of consultation

Small Parks for Balaclava and St Kilda East (March - April 2025)

This consultation ran from 8 March and closed on 11 April 2025
  • Learn more about this stage of consultation

    Consultation was undertaken for the entire Small Parks Program, including 49, 49a and 51 Pakington Street. During this engagement, we aimed to:

    • inform the community about the proposed small parks and the need to increase open space within Balaclava and St Kilda East
    • gain an understanding from our community about the features they would like to see in these new or expanded small parks

How to have your say

  • Find a pop-up event near you

    Speak to a Council Staff member and provide your feedback in person at one of our pop-up information sessions on:

    • Thursday 14 August from 4pm to 6pm at Pakington Street Reserve (45 Pakington Street, St Kilda)
  • Share your feedback online

    Complete an online survey before 11.59pm on Sunday 23 August 2026. You can also complete a paper copy of the survey if you prefer.