More than 1000 Brisbane residents have shared their ideas for Brisbane’s biggest new park in 50 years, including some of our city’s prominent architects and designers.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said design experts had developed five creative concepts that would inspire even more ideas from residents.
“Planning for the creation of Brisbane’s biggest new park in 50 years is now well underway, and there has been no shortage of ideas,” Cr Schrinner said.
“There is a huge amount of green space at Victoria Park, it’s as big as about 45 football fields, and this offers endless opportunities to transform this land into a public parkland that is uniquely Brisbane.
“Leading Brisbane designers, including Place Design Group, Lat27, Conrad Gargett, Tract and Urbis have created some conceptual ideas that will help residents think out of the box.
“Some of the suggestions include reforesting the park, designing a space that allows us to appreciate our wildlife and rich cultural heritage, creating beautiful water play elements including rock pools and creating an accessible and active pedestrian-focused place that brings people together.
“We hope these ideas will capture the imagination of residents and inspire more of them to submit their vision for Victoria Park.
Nature that natures – Conrad Gargett
“Designing with nature for health and welbeing”
Barrambin – Lat 27
“A once in a generation opportunity to reshape the city around a deeper understanding of cultural and natural systems”
The Brisbane Rock Pools – Place Design Group
“Exciting new recreation choices and experiences right in the heart of our city – that’s the tremendous opportunity that Victoria Park will offer Brisbane residents and visitors”
Active Forest – Urbis
“Aiming to maximise the sense of natural refuge within the inner city, the density of trees is increased dramatically in key locations. This creates deep shade and lush canopies – a new forest for everyone.”
Victoria Park – Tract
“The place where Brisbane meets to celebrate”
“We have received some great feedback so far, with more than 830 people completing our online survey and about 250 submissions received.
Environment, Parks and Sustainability Chair Fiona Hammond said it had been amazing that residents from right across Brisbane had been contributing their thoughts on what they wanted.
Some ideas range from creating a Disney Animal Kingdom inspired public open park with dense subtropical vegetation to something similar to Rome’s trevi fountain.
“This is a park for all of Brisbane, including all our wonderful visitors,” Cr Hammond said.
“This vision will double the size of the existing park and transform it into an amazing public green space that will help make Brisbane an even better place to live, work and relax.
“I encourage residents to mark Sunday, September 22, 2019 in your calendar as the golf course will be temporarily closed from 10am to 3pm so the Victoria Park Party can be held.
“Residents will be given a rare opportunity to explore the entire site, speak to the project team and enjoy live music, food trucks and activities for kids and adults.
“I also invite everyone to come along to our pop-up park in the Queen Street Mall on 5 September, where you can even pick up a free native plant as a thank you for having your say.”
Victoria Park Vision consultation will close on 29 September.
Parkland Size Comparisons
- Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens – 52 hectares – works started in 1970, completed in 1976, extension opened in 2015.
- Victoria Park Vision – 45 hectares
- Brisbane City Botanic Gardens – 20 hectares – opened in 1855.
- South Bank Parklands – 17 hectares – opened for World Expo 88, it officially opened in 1992.
- Roma Street Parklands – 16 hectares – opened in 2001.
- New Farm Park – 15 hectares – opened in 1914.
Victoria Park Uses
- The current Victoria Park function centre, wedding venue, putt-putt course and driving range will remain.
- It is expected works will start from 2021 to transform the golf course into parkland.
Really loving these submissions. What a great decision by council to convert these to parklands.
I really hope they take the opportunity to create something amazing that isn’t just a home-brand version of a sophisticated submission.
I would like to see a walkway/cycleway over the railway line that connects Normandy Busway & on to Roma Street Parklands. This would make It easy for park users, students & residents to walk into the city
This is an Absolute Joke…..Idiots are at work here…where is the 9 holes compromise for Golfers? When and how will IKEA Flat pack style Apartments be snuck along the edges?
This project will benefit far more people with vastly different and diverse ideas about what constitutes recreational activities than for the few whose idea of fun is to hit little balls into holes with sticks. Golfers can go play their little game elsewhere. Plenty of alternative options for them. This is a fantastic opportunity with it being in such close proximity to the CBD. The joke is that the golfers have had the run of the place to the exclusion of all others for so long.
We all know unit complexes will be built on the upper out skirts of the park for views across to the city. And with Busway stations in two spots it makes sense and a smart financial decision.
Id like them to put some consideration of moving the Lone Pine Sanctuary, or a similar set up, into the parks design. Having this in a more central area for both locals and tourists would benefit the park as a draw card, a type of mini Australia Zoo set if you will. Throw in a medium sized carousal surrounded by flowers and greenery and a themed cafe you have a winning novelty visit in my books 🙂