University Square upgrade a centrepiece of council’s new Garden City push

A major second stage upgrade of University Square in Carlton is set to be one of the headline local green space investments in the City of Melbourne’s draft 2026-27 budget, as the council prepares to pitch more than $26 million for new and improved parks across the municipality.

The University Square works, backed by $7.8 million, form part of a broader “Garden City” push that the council says will accelerate the delivery of 13 new or upgraded parks and open spaces across Melbourne.

For Carlton, the commitment is a significant one. University Square is already one of the inner city’s key public green spaces, sitting at the northern edge of the CBD and serving students, workers, residents and visitors. The next stage of its renewal is expected to continue improving the park’s role as both a neighbourhood retreat and an important civic space near the University of Melbourne and RMIT precincts.

The council is framing the broader budget package as a response to growing demand for greener neighbourhoods in an increasingly dense city.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the draft budget would help Melbourne grow its green network at “record speed and scale”.

“Melbourne matters – and we’re leading the way as Australia’s Garden City, with 13 new and upgraded green spaces delivered at record speed and scale,” Cr Reece said.

“Melbourne is growing, and our Garden City is growing with it – from planting up to 3000 new trees to creating new green spaces, we’re building a green legacy for a bigger, busier and more vibrant city.”

Alongside University Square, the draft budget includes a $5 million package to fast-track projects in local neighbourhoods. That includes creating 2500 sqm of new open space at the Chapman St pocket park in North Melbourne, beginning the expansion of the Miles and Dodds St reserve in Southbank, and progressing plans to expand the Normanby Rd reserve in Southbank.

In Kensington, $6.4 million is proposed to transform a warehouse on Chelmsford St into a new community space for relaxation, exercise, play and connection with nature.

The budget also allocates $5.5 million to deliver more than 5000 sqm of new open space along the City Rd undercroft, while planning continues for Market Square as part of the Queen Victoria Market renewal and for a greener, more pedestrian-friendly Franklin St linking the market with State Library Station.

Further south, the city will continue work on the Greenline project along the north bank of the Yarra, supported by a recently announced $4.4 million contribution from the federal government.

Environment portfolio head Cr Davydd Griffiths said residents had made it clear they wanted a greener city.

“We know more green space makes people happier, so we’re creating new open spaces, planting more trees and protecting the lungs of our city.”

The council also says it will aim to plant 3000 new trees across the municipality while continuing to work with private landowners and community groups on greening projects.

Aboriginal Melbourne portfolio head Cr Dr Olivia Ball said green space was also about caring for Country and supporting community wellbeing.

“Melbourne is built on Wurundjeri and Bunurong bik (country),” Cr Ball said.

“Ensuring there’s enough green open space near where everyone lives and works is an important way local government can support community health and well-being.”

She said 92 per cent of homes in the City of Melbourne were currently within 300 metres of open space, with the council aiming to lift that figure to 100 per cent.

The draft budget was formally released on March 31, with public consultation open until April 28. •