Melbourne, Victoria residents are being invited to provide input into a draft concept plan aimed at upgrading University Square.
The $8.8m redevelopment proposal is being conducted jointly by the Victorian Government, City of Melbourne and the University of Melbourne, according to the City’s Lord Mayor Robert Doyle.
He said the ultimate aim was to transform University Square in Carlton into an innovative, more engaging, greener, and larger public space.
Under consideration for inclusion in the revamped open spaces are activities such as basketball and chess, as well as charging stations that are solar powered, barbecues and movable seats.
Mayor Doyle said Melbourne’s open spaces, parks and gardens had contributed greatly to its status as the most ‘liveable’ city in the world, and it was essential that immediate investment and planning be instituted to ensure quality green areas would remain accessible for future generations.
Environment Portfolio Chair Cr. Arron Wood said the City planned to provide an extra 24 hectares of open space for the benefit of the community in the next decade.
Wood added that it was an important strategy for many reasons, including the fact that open space is known to improve the wellbeing and health of a community, increase values of adjacent properties, reduce flooding and help to keep the city cool. Open spaces are also often featured on postcard printing to promote Melbourne.
Community members have until October 2 to comment on the proposal.
