The redevelopment of the Rollo Street Park in Yarragon is a highly anticipated local project, and at its Council meeting this week, Baw Baw Shire Council officially awarded the tender for these works.
Sustainable Landscaping Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract to undertake the redevelopment, with a project budget of more than $2 million of works set to get underway in late October.
The site at Rollo Street, Yarragon was the original location of the Yarragon Primary School from 1879 – 2013 and in October 2019, Council purchased the site after significant community interest and desire, for it to be retained as a community asset and used as public open space.
Council undertook two rounds of community consultation to further hear from the local community about how this space could be used in the future, and in December 2021 a Master Plan was adopted. Following this, earlier this year, a Project Reference Group was established in Yarragon to ensure the community could continue to be involved and further inform the design.
Key features of the upgrades will include:
- The planting of more than 60 trees
- Hanns Lane will be resealed with diagonal parking
- A walking path
- Seating
- A drinking fountain
- Bike racks
- Rain gardens
- Improved drainage, and
- New bollards and fencing
Signage, artwork and solar lighting will also be delivered as part of the overall scope of works.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe said that this was a fantastic outcome for the Yarragon community, who have been passionate from the beginning about repurposing the site at Rollo Street.
"This project in Yarragon is a wonderful example of Council and the community working together and what an amazing outcome it is that we have achieved," she said.
"Thanks to the passion and insights from our local residents, Rollo Street Park will become a community place of pride and something that can be used by generations to come."
Project Reference Group member Adam Wright said this project is a huge milestone for the town.
"The redevelopment of the old Yarragon primary school site on Rollo Street into park land is a significant step forward for the community made possible by a good decision by Council to purchase the land," he said.
"The upgraded park will provide a vibrant environment for families, children, and individuals to enjoy outdoor activities."
The recommendations outlined within the masterplan have provided guidance for the development of the Rollo Street Park.
