Preston Is Set to Score Three MCGs-Worth of Open Green Space
The new green spaces are all thanks to the Level Crossing Removal Project and the suburb's new elevated rail line.
The northern suburb of Preston is set to farewell four of its existing railway level crossings as part of the government's extended Level Crossing Removal Project. In their place, locals will score a giant green gift: an additional 60,000 square metres of public open space, equivalent to the same size of three MCGs.
Removing the four crossings by creating an elevated train line over the roadways will make way for this new green space. The designs for the additional space were unveiled this week, featuring two new nature-based playgrounds, more than 700 trees, and an infusion of around 150,000 shrubs, grasses and groundcover plants. Locals can also expect a shared walking and cycling path linking the new Preston and Bell stations, and a new fitness zone with outdoor exercise equipment to be installed near Preston Oval. A range of other planned multipurpose facilities includes a barbecue area, casual seating and an amphitheatre located close to Bell Station.
Render of the new amphitheatre — artist impression only, subject to change, supplied by the Level Crossing Removal Project.
The designs were created in collaboration with the Preston Open Space Advisory panel, off the back of community feedback and consultation that was undertaken last year.
Construction on the project is currently underway, though it'll be a while before residents can enjoy their suburb's new green addition. The removal of the boom gates and opening of the new stations are both slated for completion by the end of 2022, with the open space set to be ready for use sometime in 2023.
The Level Crossing Removal Project has already seen similar green upgrades launched in other parts of metropolitan Melbourne.
Find out more about the Preston Level Crossing Removal Project and the program as a whole at the website.
Renders: Artist impression only, subject to change, supplied by the Level Crossing Removal Project.
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