The City of Boroondara has passed a draft master plan for the green spaces at the heart of Camberwell Junction. Camberwell Civic Park is a large open area, which also hosts a school, tennis club, three churches, Council offices, and private offices. This master plan reflects the community’s desire for Council to invest in the city’s much-loved green spaces.
The draft master plan charts out a long-term vision for the area and how it can continue to serve as a lush and loved open space as Camberwell Junction becomes busier and more densely populated. The original triangular piece of land was set aside for public use in 1855.
The vision is to transform the precinct into a vibrant destination which celebrates history, sustainability and inclusiveness where people of all backgrounds can connect with nature, culture and each other.
As Camberwell Junction is one of the Victorian Government’s pilot ‘Activity Centres’, it is expected thousands more residents will be living within a 15-minute walk of the parkland by the mid-2030’s.
The draft master plan outlines how Camberwell Civic Park could be developed over the long term, with new formal gardens, paths, and trees proposed. The master plan will be open for public consultation for six weeks from 7 October.
The Mayor of Boroondara, Councillor Sophie Torney, said that the proposed master plan would open up new green space as taller buildings are built in Camberwell Junction.
“Camberwell Civic Park is at the heart of an activity centre where thousands of new residents will be living in the coming years.
“Investing in green spaces like these is the right thing to do, and I’m looking forward to the public’s feedback during our upcoming consultation,” Mayor Torney said.
Local councillor for Junction Ward, which includes much of Camberwell and Camberwell Civic Park, Mal Osborne-Smith, has been instrumental in the vision of new green spaces in Camberwell Junction.
“We know how important parks and gardens are to people who live across Boroondara, and Camberwell is more densely populated compared to other parts of our City.
“This draft master plan will guide long-term investment in Camberwell’s future, and I’m excited that it’s passed Council as the first step to delivering new and improved green spaces in Camberwell.”
Camberwell Civic Park is one of the largest green spaces in Camberwell and this master plan is an example of Boroondara's planning for the demands of population growth. In January Councillors voted to close Reserve Road, which runs through Camberwell Civic Park, due to safety concerns for students at the nearby Camberwell Primary School, and the master plan proposes turning part of the closed road into a new green space at the heart of the park.
Background:
The master plan also proposes a second and third stage, offering a glimpse into what the open space precinct could potentially become beyond the next decade.
These stages are subject to many factors, including future population growth, policy updates, budget and strong collaboration with landowners, state government agencies, local businesses and our community.
Visit the Your Say Boroondara page here: Camberwell Civic Park Master Plan | Your Say Boroondara