Revitalisation of Alexandra Gardens progresses

The City of Melbourne is currently analysing feedback received in response to its concept plan for the renewal of Alexandra Gardens, which will soon undergo a string of upgrades.

The gardens, which form part of the Domain Parklands, are located on the southern banks of the Yarra-Birrarung River bordered by Alexandra Avenue and Boathouse Drive and include the city’s historic Yarra Boathouses and Riverslide Skate Park.

The council has proposed a range of improvements which it says aim to “make the gardens safer for everyone,” as well as ensure they are “more usable and accessible for walking, cycling and recreation”.

Among the proposed upgrades include installing a Stolen Generations Marker at Peppercorn Lawn, redeveloping the skate park and upgrading the adjoining toilet block, and introducing a 20km/h speed limit along Boathouse Drive.

The plans also include lawn upgrades, new wayfinding and interpretation signage throughout the gardens, power and lighting upgrades, new trees as well as garden bed renewal.

The precinct surrounding the historic rowing sheds will also receive upgrades, including repairing/replacing the boat landing along the edge of the Yarra, creating dedicated trailer parking and provide a new dedicated zone for emergency service access.

“We’re upgrading the gardens to make them more accessible for everybody. Proposed improvements include accessible pathways, better lighting, and traffic management, as well as new trees and plants,” the council’s environment portfolio lead Cr Rohan Leppert told Southbank News.  

The council sought community consultation between February 16 and March 25, and is now assessing the feedback which is says will be factored into the final plan.

Cr Leppert said the upgrades were being considered with local residents, the precinct’s regular users and visitors all in mind.

“The spectacular Alexandra Gardens are much loved by Melburnians … we’ve heard the community’s feedback on our proposed plans, and we look forward to finalising the concept plan and bringing this vision for Alexandra Gardens to life,” he said.

The concept plan is expected to be finalised by mid-2024, after which it will go before councillors at a Future Melbourne Committee meeting for approval.