The second stage of a multimillion-dollar redevelopment of the Whittlesea Public Gardens in Lalor is set to deliver a series of exciting new attractions.
City of Whittlesea Chief Executive Officer Craig Lloyd and Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny MP turned the first sod on the works on Thursday 7 December.
Stage two of the upgrade to the park will feature a 100-metre-long street-style skate park designed to test the skills of beginner, intermediate and advanced skaters.
The project will also see construction of two half-court basketball courts and the installation of a rock-climbing wall, as well as a kick-about space with soccer goals.
There will be a range of amenities installed for the comfort and convenience of visitors, including two large shelters with barbecues, seating, drinking fountains, paths, lighting and landscaping.
The works build on the redevelopment’s first stage, completed earlier this year, which delivered a new playground featuring play towers, swings, slides, flying fox, riding circuit and more.
CEO Craig Lloyd said the Barry Road facility was an important social hub for the people of Lalor, Thomastown and surrounding suburbs.
“Council is committed to providing the community with public spaces that encourage residents to spend quality time with their families and friends,” he said.
“The addition of the skate park and rock-climbing wall will broaden the appeal of the park and complement the improvements made in the first stage of the redevelopment.”
The multi-stage process to transform the Whittlesea Public Gardens into a regionally significant park was first identified in a master plan adopted by Council in 2018.
At the Council Meeting in October 2023, OSV Group was appointed to undertake the second stage works, which are expected to be completed by mid-2024.
The City of Whittlesea is contributing $1.35 million towards the project, with the Victorian Government providing $650,000 under its Growing Suburbs Fund.
The Whittlesea Public Gardens playground and toilets will remain open for the duration of the works, however, there is reduced parking on site.
