Kirrip Park is here!

The Montague Precinct’s beautiful new park is now open to the community.

Unveiled on October 20 by Member for Albert Park Martin Foley and City of Port Phillip Mayor Bernadene Voss, the 9000-sqm space also marks Fishermans Bend’s first park and is an exciting symbol of what’s to come for the area.

Inclement weather on the morning of the launch failed to dampen spirits as the council put on a show for local families with a range of children’s activities, food and a dance performance by students from South Melbourne Primary School.

A joint project between the City of Port Phillip and the State Government, the land for the park was purchased in 2015 for $19 million after the former Liberal government rezoned Fishermans Bend as capital city resulting in skyrocketing land values.

From that perspective, Kirrip Park is a symbol of the State Government’s commitment to resetting the planning in Fishermans Bend in conjunction with the local community. Sitting opposite the brand new vertical South Melbourne Primary School, the community hub now provides the Montague Precinct with the best chance of realising the best version of itself.

“This urban oasis is a perfect setting for residents of all ages, families and students at nearby South Melbourne Primary to play, relax and connect,” Mayor Bernadene Voss said.

“This project shows what can be achieved in a partnership with the Victorian Government and we are looking forward to rolling out other fantastic spaces and places together as Fishermans Bend takes shape.”

A traditional indigenous smoking ceremony helped mark the opening on the morning of October 20, which was followed by Martin Foley and Bernadene Voss unveiling a plaque on a boulder.

Transforming the industrial site into a park posed challenging technical issues over the course of construction including flooding, demolition, a fire at a nearby factory and the removal of about 672 tonnes of waste material.

With Montague located in a flood plain, the design of the park site allows for a one in 100 year rain event by managing flooding backflow and a one in five hard surface to soft surface ratio helps mitigate the urban island effect.

Kirrip, meaning friend or mate in the language of the native land owners Boon Wurrung, was the name chosen via a community consultation process conducted by the City of Port Phillip. Mayor Voss said it was a fitting name.

“I’m sure many lasting friendships will be forged in this park, right in the heart of the Montague Precinct,” she said.