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New master plan for Yarra Park

The MCG precinct is a magnet for bikes: there are the busy bike routes that converge through the park and there are the game days when increasing numbers of sports fans ride to events.

Now the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) – which currently manages Yarra Park – is embarking on a new master plan for the area, hoping to improve access and amenity for the public.

It recognises that bike riders will be a major consideration in the future development and operation of the precinct, and it wants your feedback.

Make sure you complete the online survey that closes on 10 February 2023.

The MCC says the Yarra Park Master Plan will aim to build on the park’s social and environmental benefits for the city. 

It will be in place for the next 10 years and as part of the works, a staging plan will be provided allowing stakeholders and community an opportunity to have input along the way.

The plan will look to build on the following key principles:

  • Enhancing security measures in public space, specifically to mitigate pedestrian and vehicle conflict
  • Integrating pedestrian and cycling movements and interfaces safely in a park setting
  • Improving climate change resilience and reduce urban heat island effect
  • Protecting existing heritage values and enhancing the identity of the park
  • Future-proofing the contemporary event needs for more movement, lighting and service infrastructure and local facilities

One potential upgrade to be looked at is installation of a bike maintenance hub to compliment the active transport loop and a dedicated bike parking area.

Also being considered is the introduction of bike calming measures throughout the park and dedicated bike lanes through pathways.

Another proposal is the development of an integrated transport strategy, and the possibility of removing public car parking from park to eliminate pedestrian/vehicle conflict and improve safety.

The timetable for the master plan is:

  • Initial stakeholder and community engagement December 2022–February 2023
  • Development of draft Master Plan report February 2023–April 2023 Stakeholder and community engagement May 2023–June 2023
  • Development of final Master Plan report July 2023–August 2023
  • Preparation of Planning Scheme Amendment and submission to Minister of Planning June 2023–August 2023
  • Master Plan implementation 20242034

 

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