March launch for Boyd Park

The City of Melbourne has confirmed that the new $3.5 million Boyd Park on Kavanagh and Balston streets will be officially launched with a community event in March.

The new neighbourhood park, which features a playground, new lawn areas, a temporary half-basketball court and communal garden, is now open to the Southbank community.

To be held on March 21, the council will celebrate the park’s opening with a Southbank Expo in partnership with the Southbank Residents’ Association once the new lawn and trees have been given more time to establish.

“Boyd Park provides a new backyard for the thousands of residents living in Southbank,” Lord Mayor Sally Capp said.

“The park is a fantastic community space for picnics and gatherings. It includes a 1300 sqm ‘village green’ area, barbecue and picnic facilities, new seating and a new playground. It also features 70 new trees including beautiful Illawarra flame trees and nine Mexican fan palms.”

Other trees planted include river birch, blueberry ash, honey locust, southern silky oak, jacarandas, Chinese pistachio and crepe myrtle.

Chair of the City of Melbourne’s environment portfolio Cr Cathy Oke said Boyd Park provided flexible spaces for a range of activities.

“Southbank is one of the fastest growing suburbs in Melbourne and is home to thousands of residents who live in apartments. Boyd Park will provide the community with a green refuge,” she said.

“Along the expanded park we have also include a new bicycle connection along Kavanagh St.”

The park is part of the ongoing development of the former school site, which is being transformed to accommodate mixed-use residential and affordable housing, a boutique hotel and retail and community facilities.

“We’re going to expand the services offered at the Boyd Community Hub including the library, maternal and child health services and creative spaces,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Affordable housing is one of the most important priorities for our city – so the development will include 40 affordable housing units.”

The joint project between the City of Melbourne and PDG Corporation is expected to be completed by 2022.