The City of Stonnington has secured the final piece of land required for the future expansion of the William Street Park in South Yarra, with the purchase of 23 Arthur Street.
The acquisition represents a significant milestone in Council’s long-term objective of increasing open space opportunities, paving the way for a stronger green link through the heart of South Yarra.
The property has been purchased off-market for $880,000, funded through the South Yarra Open Space Reserve. Council already owns the adjoining properties at 2, 2A and 4 William Street, together with the area immediately to the east of 23 Arthur Street.
Combined with the William Street sites, the acquisition will add 850sqm of open space in South Yarra, which will link the South Yarra Siding Reserve and the greening works along Arthur Street toward Chapel Street.
City of Stonnington Mayor, Cr Melina Sehr said the purchase is the culmination of years of Council advocacy to ensure the local community would see lasting benefits from the significant disruption caused by the Metro Tunnel Project.
“Opportunities to create new open space in established suburbs such as South Yarra are incredibly rare, which is why Council actively pursued the opportunity to acquire this site for the future expansion of the William Street Park,” said Cr Sehr.
“As a result, Council has ensured the community will benefit from a significantly larger and more connected open green space than could be achieved with the William Street sites alone.”
The property will continue to be rented until Council is ready to convert 23 Arthur Street and 2, 2A, 4 William Street into open space, building on designs consulted with our community in recent years.
