Preston to get 60,000 square metres of new parkland

Soon as in by 2023, at least. The large Preston parkland development is thanks to the Victorian state government’s level crossing removal projects, which will remove congested level crossings at Oakover Road, Bell Street, Cramer Street and Murray Road in Preston.

In their place, they’ve released designs for new landscaped areas featuring more than 700 trees, around 150,000 grasses, shrubs and groundcover plants, as well as two new playgrounds and a shared walking and cycling path to connect the new Preston and Bell stations.

What you need to know

• Preston is to receive 60,000 new square metres of open parkland
• It takes the place of four level crossings that were removed by the Victorian government
• The new green space, cycling and landscaped areas are set to open by 2023

Work is currently underway on elevating this segment of the Mernda rail line, leaving additional space underneath and to either side, with the underpass crossings set for completion next year.

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These designs – which the public are able to vote on – will be spread across the almost 60,000 square metres – approximately 3 MCGs worth – of new open space.

The open space areas were designed in collaboration with the Preston Open Space Advisory panel, using feedback gained from the local community during consultation last year. Locals told the government “they wanted multi-use spaces, more native plants, active spaces, community areas and improved safety.”

The original designs include nature-based playgrounds, an amphitheatre to the west of Bell Station, a barbecue area and casual seating, as well as a fitness zone will also be located near Preston Oval with a range of exercise equipment.

The boom gates will be gone and new stations open by the end of 2022. The new open space will be ready for the community to enjoy in 2023.

Check out all the potential designs and have your say here.