The Allan Labor Government is reopening a new upgraded inner-city park - which is one of several open spaces that will be handed back to the community as the Metro Tunnel Project's opening draws closer.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson today announced the revamped South Yarra Siding Reserve is now open - boasting more than 2,000 square metres of open space, bike paths and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.
The upgraded reserve is part of 380,000 square metres of new open space Victoria's Big Build is delivering - which is equivalent to the the size of Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens.
The South Yarra Siding Reserve, formerly a sloping area of grass alongside the rail line, was closed to the public in 2018 to allow for work to begin on the Metro Tunnel's eastern entrance.
The reserve will feature two artworks by First Nations artists Kent Morris and Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Kim Wandin, with collaborating artist Christine Joy. Aunty Kim's work will extend to the nearby Arthur Street pocket park, which will open at the same time as the Siding Reserve.
More than 160 trees have been planted at the reserve and at the Arthur Street and William Street pocket parks - increasing green space in the area by around 40 per cent.
The Metro Tunnel project is delivering around 8,700 square metres of new green space and more than 500 new trees in and around the five new station precincts and tunnel entrances.
Victoria's Big Build is also delivering more than 3.1 million seedlings, trees and shrubs across the state - enough to fill New York's Central Park three times over.
Major construction at Arden and Parkville Stations is complete, while testing of high capacity signalling and other systems is continuing on the Metro Tunnel, which will transform public transport in Melbourne when it opens in 2025 - a year ahead of schedule.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson
"This beautiful new park is just one of the fantastic public spaces that will be handed back to the community as part of the Metro Tunnel project as we get closer to opening."
"As part of Victoria's Big Build, we're not only upgrading road and rail infrastructure but creating great community spaces along the way."
As stated by Member for Southern Metropolitan John Berger
"The upgrade at South Yarra Siding Reserve is a huge win for the local community and will be enjoyed for years to come."
As stated by Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor
"The upgraded South Yarra Siding Reserve is now a fantastic space for family picnics and bike riding - I encourage the local community to enjoy the space soon."
