The City of Stonnington’s amazing new urban parkland, Prahran Square, is nearing completion and gearing up for a Summer Series of music, art and events.
The much-anticipated PS Summer Series kicks off from 11am Sunday 1 December when the Square will spring to life with a season opener of music, street art, health and wellbeing sessions and live performances.
City of Stonnington Mayor, Cr Steve Stefanopoulos will officially open Prahran Square at 1pm after which a list of local musicians will keep the park buzzing throughout the afternoon.
The festivities will roll on into the evening with the harmonies of the South of the River Choir filling the Square with song. Flicking the switch on the festive tree lights will round out the day, welcoming in the summer season.
Daily from 1 to 25 December a forest of paper trees will take centre stage with visitors, young and old, invited to get involved – help move them around or make your own.
Throughout December and January a full program will keep the Square humming and visitors busy.
Twice weekly music sessions will showcase talented local DJs, artists and bands. Get in the mood for the weekend with Prahran Square Live every Thursday evening, and on Sunday afternoons relax on the lawn to the chilled sounds of Ambient Sunday.
Experience the creativity of some of Australia’s most renowned and talented street artists at a summer residency in the Square. Sessions happening throughout summer will see the creation of cutting edge artworks and build a positive sense of community in Prahran.
Free health and wellness sessions will be happening daily across the summer months and Saturday morning visitors will be entertained by local buskers.
A new Prahran Square website, to be launched in early November, will feature the program of events and activities planned for the Square.
Background to Prahran Square
The $60+ million redevelopment on the old Cato Street car park has seen the site transformed into a 500 bay underground car park, topped by nearly 10,000 square metres of urban parkland.
Ground was broken in January 2018, signalling the start of the biggest development project ever undertaken by the City of Stonnington. The 500 bay car park opened in August 2019 and the urban parkland will open in December.
A sprawling 1,000 square metres of lawn dominates the southern end of the site; the perfect spot to relax and take in the view.
An accessible forest walk on the Izett Street frontage meanders past a children’s playground, established trees, and living art installations by Australian artist, Jamie North.
Opposite the forest, terraced seating offers another vantage point to meet up with friends or look out over the Square. Look up to see ‘murnalong’ perched above – three native honey bees, the work of renowned Australian artist Dr Fiona Foley.
Twenty-eight striking poles across the four entry points to Prahran Square house ‘The Pipes’, a major digital interactive artwork from internationally renowned Bruce Ramus.
Huge planter boxes and a sensory garden at the northern end complete the parkland greenery of over 130 large trees and palms and more than 7200 plants and shrubs.
Quote from Member for Higgins, Dr Katie Allen MP
“As the local Federal MP, I am delighted to see the Prahran Square project nearing completion. This project will put our iconic Chapel Street precinct squarely on the map as the premiere destination for Melbourne shoppers and tourists”.
As stated by City of Stonnington Mayor, Steve Stefanopoulos
“Prahran Square is a wonderful project that will help revitalise our iconic Chapel Street precinct, and deliver on our community’s expectations for high quality open space.
“I am incredibly proud to welcome the community into Prahran Square to explore the many facets of the space and enjoy this new parkland right in their backyard.
“The PS Summer Series is a fabulous showcase of live music, arts, health and wellbeing sessions and so much more. I encourage everyone to join me on 1 December to celebrate the opening of this fabulous space and kick off what will be a fantastic summer in Prahran Square.
“We are delighted to be working in collaboration with the Chapel Street Precinct Association to bring world class events to the people of Stonnington.
