New park to be constructed on the corner of Lennox and Butler streets, West Richmond
Council has endorsed plans to convert vacant land on the corner of Butler and Lennox streets in North West Richmond into a small park.
The site was identified as a potential park in Council’s 2006 Open Space Strategy.
The esimated $400,000 funding required for the construction of the park would come from open space contributions collected from residential developers.
Council sought feedback from the local community on the plans displayed below in July 2012.
Concept designs for the park were endorsed by Council at its meeting on 18 September 2012.
Tenders for its construction are expected to be called for in late 2012, with construction to begin in early 2013.
Plans for new park
The 516m2 space would be created by turning fenced off and vacant Council-owned land into an open space with two street frontages.
The plan has been developed with a focus on creating an accessible, attractive and safe new community space.
The park design includes:
- two long polished white concrete tables with seats for shared dining, gathering, and games
- clusters of steel, laser-cut 'parasols' that provide shade and shelter over the tables and act as a colourful art element
- bench seats at the park's entry
- raised planter box garden beds (with food producing plants) at the park's entrance
- a large open lawn area
- tree planting (existing and proposed) to provide shade and positioned to maintain open views
- garden beds on the western and southern boundaries of the space
- vertical planting along the western boundary wall.
The concept design is based on buying, growing, preparing, serving and enjoying food, which is a universal experience across all cultures, and also references the nearby community garden on the North Richmond Housing Estate.
It also acknowledges the surrounding neighbourhood, characterised by small dwellings and extended families, and aims to provide a practical space for locals to use.
The park's design emphasises crime prevention and safety with clear sightlines, lighting and an open design with no opportunities for hiding.
A readable PDF version of the plans is available here 
Lennox and Butler streets park - Final Plan endorsed by Council in September 2012 (563.15 KB)
Initial consultation
In September 2011, Council distributed flyers to residents and businesses in the Lennox/Butler street area outlining the park proposal with an attached questionnaire.
Twenty-two questionnaires and four written submissions were received as part of this process.
The majority of respondents made positive suggestions for potential open space uses/opportunities at the site.
Six of the 22 respondents suggested the site should not be used for an open space.
The largely positive response from the preliminary consultation for this project supports the need for open space in this area.
Based on the mostly positive response to the idea during the preliminary consultation, Council resolved to create and seek comment on a draft concept plan for the park.
The draft plan was endorsed for detailed design and construction in September 2012.
Further information
Fiona O’Byrne
Open Space Planner
9205 5768
Fiona.Obyrne@yarracity.vic.gov.au
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