A massive urban garden will sprout in the centre of the Melbourne Arts Precinct. This 18,000 square metre space will be named Laak Boorndap. Pronounced as Lark-Born-Darp, this name was given to the garden by Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Language Elder, Aunty Gail Smith. The stunning green space has been designed to flourish all year round, no matter the weather. This garden is a part of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation project, and works on the garden are expected to start in 2026. It will be open to the public 24 hours a day.
Laak Boorndap
The garden will be planted on an elevated deck and feature six thematic areas. Designed by Melbourne studio Hassell and New York’s SO-IL, the multi-layered space will feature a mix of native and introduced species. Internationally renowned horticulturalists Nigel Dunnett and James Hitchmough, and plant expert Jac Semmler, are working together on the garden to ensure that the space is not only beautiful, but biodiverse and resilient to climate change.
Laak Boorndap will also feature a waterway, as a nod to the First Peoples’ tradition of gathering by and caring for the Birrarung (Yarra River). Sit by the water and take in the soothing, trickling sounds. This space will run along the edge of the garden near The Fox: NGV Contemporary.
On top of the picturesque plants, there will also be plenty of contemporary art and activations at Laak Boorndap. See contemporary sculpture from the collections of NGV and Arts Centre Melbourne, as well as new artwork commissions by First Peoples.
The elevated garden will connect The Fox: NGV Contemporary, NGV International, Hamer Hall and the Art Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building. Built over Sturt St, between City Road and Southbank Boulevard, the garden will also feature a new pedestrian pathway, connecting visitors more easily from Princes Bridge to the Arts Precinct.
Find out more about this space here.