After comprehensive community consultation, as well as consultation with the Edinburgh Gardens sporting clubs and Victorian Government, a revised design for the redevelopment of sporting and community facilities at the Brunswick Street Oval has been endorsed by Council.
The consultation findings were presented to Council on Tuesday 17 December 2024. During this meeting, the revised design and next steps for the project were endorsed. Learn more about the December Council meeting.
| Project milestone | Month |
|---|---|
| Tree removal | August – October 2025 |
| Tree planting | October – December 2025 |
| Sports pavilion design and construction | November 2025 |
| Tennis court works (6 courts) | December 2025 |
| Grandstand works | February 2026 |
| Tennis court works (2 new courts) | February 2026 |
| Tennis facilities clubhouse installation | May 2026 |
| Landscaping | Commencing in 2026 |
Timeline for removal and planting
We know that trees are more than just greenery – they're an important part of Fitzroy’s shared heritage and identity.
- Status: PendingAugust: Tree removal works start
• 39 trees will be removed only where necessary to accommodate the endorsed design.
• 3 English Elms will be removed along the path to the north and west of the tennis club. These elms are diseased and have come to the end of their life.
• All tree removals will follow a Tree Protection Management Plan, Arborists Report and Tree Removal Plan to safeguard significant trees and preserve the green areas not impacted by the works.
• Path closures may be required whilst the tree removal works are undertaken.
- Status: PendingOctober: Tree removal works end
- Status: PendingOctober: Tree planting works start
Tree planting will be rolled alongside the completion of each phase of the precinct.
• 35 new trees will be planted, selected in consultation with a landscape architect. These trees include Jacarandas, Red Oaks and Kurrajongs.
• Planting will use local native species where possible to support birds, habitat and to retain the precinct’s leafy character.
• Planting will take place alongside the sports pavilion, tennis pavilion and landscaping phases of the project.
- Status: Pending2026: Tree planting works end
Legend for removal and planting plan (pictured)
| Marker | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White circles | Existing trees to be retained | |
| Blue dashed circles | Existing trees proposed for removal | 39 trees, including:
|
| Green circles | new semi mature shade trees for replanting | 35 trees, including:
|
You can see an aerial comparison of how this site is intended to change on YourSayYarra.
Examples of trees to be planted
The Minister for Planning.
Heritage approval for the design will be required from the Executive Director of Heritage Victoria.
39 trees are being removed to accommodate the endorsed design. See our Tree Removal Plan, page 705 of Agenda: Ordinary Council Meeting - 17 December 2024 [ PDF, 264.26 MB] .
35 trees are being planted. These trees include a mix of semi mature Jacarandas, Red Oaks and Kurrajongs.
Three English elms located to the north and west of the tennis club. These elms are diseased and have come to the end of their life.
Feedback from the community showed that people enjoyed having a spot to sit in the sun and look out over the oval. In response to this feedback, we will not be planting any trees on “Hipster Hill.”
Possums have been identified as potentially living throughout the Brunswick Street Oval precinct. During the planned tree removal, a project arborist and a project ecologist has been engaged to supervise the tree removal to ensure no fauna will be impacted. If any animals are found, they will be safely removed and rehomed to another location at the precinct.
There is no requirement under the DDA that all eight courts be accessible.
The DDA and the Disability Standards focus on ensuring equitable access to public facilities for people with disabilities. These regulations focus on aspects such as accessible entrances, amenities, signage, and pathways, rather than specifying a minimum number of sports courts or facilities.
The BSOP project is being designed to create an environment that is usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialised design. It will ensure that facilities are welcoming and inclusive for everyone, regardless of ability.
The purpose of the November 2024 engagement was to provide a project update, understand community support and seek suggestions on the new designs. The feedback addressed 39 areas to consider which were incorporated into the final design where possible and in the project scope.
The responses received were carefully analysed and considered and were arranged under the 39 key themes. Suggestions provided by the community were responded to in detail in a transparent and comprehensive engagement report (p688 Agenda: Ordinary Council Meeting - 17 December 2024 [ PDF, 264.26 MB] .
In response to community feedback, there was an amendment included in Council's resolution to publish a new landscape plan designed to improve the interface between the sports pavilion and St Georges Road. Another change made in response to feedback received was not to proceed with planting trees on "Hipster Hill".
Consultation began in 2019 when we asked you what you value about the facilities and what could be improved. An initial design (2022) and revised design (2024) were developed, before endorsement in December 2024.