The Whittlesea Public Gardens Urban and Youth Space stage two construction contract has been awarded to Open Space Victoria Pty Ltd.
Located at the far-western end of Barry Road, Lalor, the Whittlesea Public Gardens is considered a major community park.
Stage one of construction was worth about $2 million, and was completed in December 2022.
The first stage involved re-development of the park with demolition of existing structures, and the construction of a new playground equipped with a large play tower, swings, slides, trampolines, a flying fox and nature play.
Stage two, worth $1.99 million, will see further upgrades to the park, with the construction of new recreation equipment, including two large shelters with barbeques, public furniture and drinking fountains in line with the existing infrastructure installed during stage one.
Sporting infrastructure will also be constructed, including two half basketball courts, and a 100 metre long plaza style skate park with multiple runs to accommodate all ability levels.
There will also be irrigated lawn areas with soccer goals and a hit up and rock-climbing wall.
The project also received a $650,000 state government grant from the Growing Suburbs Funding.
Construction work on stage two is expected to commence in November, with an estimated completion of mid-April 2024.
A third stage, which will include wetlands and walking trails, will begin the design process in late 2023.
Gerald Lynch
