We love strolling through the parks and gardens around Melbourne. And if you do too, you’ll soon have even more open spaces to relax and unwind. The City of Melbourne has released their draft budget for 2026-2027, with plans to help our city blossom with even more green spaces. They plan to invest over $26 million to deliver 13 new or upgraded parks and green spaces, so you won’t have to go far to enjoy a bit of nature around the city. Here’s what you can expect.
13 new or upgraded parks in the City of Melbourne
This year, the council will invest $5 million to fast-track some projects across local neighbourhoods.
“Melbourne matters – and we’re leading the way as Australia’s Garden City, with 13 new and upgraded green spaces delivered at record speed and scale,” said Lord Mayor Nick Reece.
This will include creating 2,500m² of new open space at the Chapman Street pocket park in North Melbourne, the expansion of the Miles and Dodds Street reserve in Southbank, and progressing plans to expand the Normanby Road reserve in Southbank.
Meanwhile in Kensington, $6.4 million will transform a warehouse on Chelmsford Street into a community space for relaxation, exercise and play.
Stage Two of the $7.8 million University Square upgrade in Carlton is now underway, renewing the plaza with new trees, garden beds and over 2500m² of open space.
An additional $5.5 million will go towards over 5,000m² of new open space along the City Road Undercroft.
This budget also looks at transforming the open-air car park at Queen Victoria Market into Market Square, which will be the largest new park in the city. This area will have 1.8 hectares of open space. As part of the budget, Franklin Street will become greener and more pedestrian-friendly, linking State Library Station to the market.
They will also advance to the next stages of the Greenline Project, after Birrarung Marr was upgraded late last year. $4.4 million from the Federal Government will be used to transform the north bank of the Yarra River.
On top of the new or upgraded parks and gardens, the City of Melbourne will also aim to plant 3,000 new trees across the council area. This will provide more shade and greenery, keeping the city cooler and increasing its climate resilience.
This is a draft budget, and there is room for feedback. If you’ve got something to say, you can reach out on Participate Melbourne from 6pm on Thursday, March 31 to 6pm on Tuesday, April 28.
