Boyd Park update

The City of Melbourne says it will release a draft concept plan for the new park behind the Boyd Community Hub later this year.

While specific dates are yet to be confirmed, a council spokesperson said it would release a plan for community consultation and re-tender the sale of the land in late 2017.

The re-tender is due to the site’s former developer Mackie failing to uphold its original contract for a commercial development, which included affordable housing, retail and a public park.

Despite financial concerns surrounding the developer, council renegotiated with Mackie last year, which then entered into a new agreement for the site under the name Cairo Melbourne.

Once again, the developer failed to meet its contractual obligations.

The construction of the park is expected to start in mid-2018, with the $1.7 million allocated in the 2017-18 budget. It is understood demolition of the building behind Boyd Community Hub, currently occupied by Creative Spaces, will take place in April.

“Following the unsuccessful contract of sale of the development site earlier this year, City of Melbourne is currently revising the development brief in response to changes to the planning framework under C270,” the spokesperson said.

“The revised brief will ensure the best outcome is secured for the park, private development site and the Boyd Community Hub.”