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Boyd Park concept plan revealed

Boyd Park concept plan revealed

The project for Southbank’s long-awaited Boyd Park took a giant step forwards in November as the City of Melbourne released its draft concept plan for consultation.

Demolition of the two-storey classroom building at the rear of Boyd and construction of the park is expected to commence in April and locals can expect to see the entire park fully completed in 2020.

Following on from its community consultation conducted back in 2014, the City of Melbourne has devised a concept plan with a range of interesting features based on feedback received at the time.

The key feature sees a “Village Green” proposed for the area along Balston St – an expansive piece of green open space that would take up a majority of the site.

To the rear of the vast open space facing Kavanagh St is an elevated “Picnic and Play Terrace”, while a tranquil “Forest Garden” is touted for the area behind the library.

“The Schoolyard”, located in the pocket behind Boyd’s Assembly Hall, will provide a space for gathering, events and play that will extend from Boyd and integrate with the future development with a raised amphitheatre.

One of the only controversial elements of the concept plan is council’s plan to install a multi purpose sports court at the front of Boyd on the corner of Balston St and City Rd.

Up to 40 locals attended a community information session at Boyd on December 7 to have their say on the multi purpose court, with many raising concerns over safety and the aesthetic of the heritage site.

Council’s principal project manager Steve Perumal told the forum that a sculptural screen would provide protection from City Rd and would be as transparent as possible to protect the views of Boyd.

Members of the Southbank Sustainability Group have also put forward a proposal to continue using the area known as the "North Lawn" near Kings Way for a community garden. Council officers said they would continue conversations with the group.

Locals are invited to have their say on the plan until December 22. You can contribute your thoughts by visiting: participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/boydpark

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