Wraps come off new linear park plans between Caulfield and Dandenong

Wraps come off new linear park plans between Caulfield and Dandenong
Alastair TaylorNovember 13, 2017

On Monday the Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan unveiled the plans for 22.5 hectares of new open space that is being created under and beside the elevated track and stations now under construction between Caulfield and Dandenong.

In so doing, the public now has access to a wider range of renders which depict in far greater dealer how each precinct will appear once complete.

A new 17 kilometre walking/cycling path which will connect the Caulfield campus of Monash University with the East Link Trail is a key feature of the new open space along with the planting of 30,000 new trees and shrubs, according to a Spring Street media release.

The Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) has created an online gallery dedicated to the open space in the Caulfield-Dandenong corridor.

Wraps come off new linear park plans between Caulfield and Dandenong
Render depicting new parkland near Murrumbeena soon after construction is complete - image LXRA

This area of Melbourne has the smallest amount of parkland in Victoria - we're proving more space for locals and families to come together, exercise and play.  Some of Melbourne's most vibrant precincts are located around elevated rail and this open space will help invigorate shopping and hospitality along the corridor

Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan

The new greenery is focused on eucalypts and other native species with 4000 new trees to be planted. Strung along the corridor will be a network of dedicated spaces such as multi-purpose sports courts, fenced dog parks in Clayton and Noble Park as well as spaces dedicated to rock climbing.

Wraps come off new linear park plans between Caulfield and Dandenong
Render depicting new parkland near Murrumbeena 20 years after construction completes - image LXRA

Also confirmed on Monday was a new $15 million maintenance fund dedicated to providing for the long-term care of the new open space and will be used for graffiti removal, weeding, cleaning and rubbish collection.

As mentioned earlier and whether deliberate or inadvertent, the public now has access to a wider array of renders which provide a far clearer picture of how the rail corridor will eventually look, including a set of aerial maps in each of sections which will have new elevated track and stations.  

Work on the open space will begin in the new year.

Alastair Taylor

Alastair Taylor is a co-founder of Urban.com.au. Now a freelance writer, Alastair focuses on the intersection of public transport, public policy and related impacts on medium and high-density development.

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