Open Space Projects

In 2023, Council endorsed the City’s Urban Greening Strategy which included the key move ‘Enhance our Green Open Spaces’. These projects aim to fill gaps in open space network, enhance existing parks, create a greener street network, improve biodiversity and community amenity among a myriad of other ecological, social and economic benefits.

“Green spaces are the lungs of the city.” – Anonymous

Current projects

The City will build three Open Space Enhancement Projects in 2026 – Victoria Square, Cooper Street Pocket Park and Hardy Road Pocket Park. Although small in size, pocket parks provide a range of important functions which differ from those of larger urban parks.

“Pocket parks are the city’s little green smile—small enough to stumble upon, big enough to change your day.” - Unknown

Why pocket parks?

Pocket parks can repurpose leftover spaces, turning hard grey infrastructure into an ecological and community asset. They improve pedestrian journeys, connectivity and feed local businesses. They reduce pressure on larger parks and provide an alternative, more intimate experience. They can provide tranquil respite from the urban environment. And they punch above their weight in bolstering our tree canopy and biodiversity.

Design of these three projects is now complete and they are planned to be constructed between 1 November 2025 and 30 June 2026. Further communications will be provided to relevant stakeholders closer to the construction period.