Gasworks Arts Park Overall Site Upgrade

We're upgrading this important park.
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Location

21 Graham St, Albert Park, VIC, 3204

Cost

Council has allocated $3.5M to design and deliver landscape renewal and upgrade works at Gasworks Arts Park.

Milestones

Why are we doing this?

This project is a short-term priority action identified within the City of Port Phillip's Public Space Strategy 2022-2032.

The project will be delivered in two phases:

Phase 1 - New Playground

Construction is now complete.

Phase 2 - Park Upgrade

The project requires improvement to the quality of the existing open space, including lawn areas, garden beds, paths, play equipment, lighting, seats, picnic tables, drinking fountains and bins.   

Historically, the gasworks site operated as a gasworks foundry from 1871 until its closure in 1971. The site is contaminated with the by-products of gas manufacture.   

Contamination management guidelines have been developed to ensure the upgrade works are delivered safely. 

The impact

Upgrading the park will ensure continued support of a diverse range of uses and functions, while providing a safe, welcoming environment that supports the physical, social and mental health of the community. 

Objectives

Council is upgrading this important open space to meet the needs of the community while also ensuring it retains its unique 'bushland character'.

The proposed playground design will also honour art and celebrate the historical past of Gasworks Park.

Project Update

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 be taking place over the coming month. 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.

Upgrade Staging Plan

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

Dog off leash map - Parks & Reserves

Community Consultation

Community consultation on the draft Concept Plan was conducted from 31 August to 24 September 2023 via Council's Have Your Say Page here: Gasworks Arts Park Upgrade | Have Your Say Port Phillip.

Thanks again to all those who contributed their feedback.

The Park Upgrade Concept Plan was endorsed unanimously by Council at a meeting held on 6 December, the agenda and minutes are available on the Council meeting page. 

Contamination Management Framework (CMF)

Council is partnering with the State Government who coordinate and manage the environmental consultants preparing the Contamination Management Framework (CMF), to manage the contamination at the Park, in conjunction with the upgrade works. 

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. 

Contact us

The Open Space Project Delivery team is here to help.

Send us a message on My Port Phillip.

Phone: 03 9209 6777