Linear Parklands wraps around what was once the Inner Circle Rail Line between Bowen Crescent in Princes Hill and Rushall Station in Fitzroy North and includes the old spur line between St Georges Road and Alfred Crescent, that connected the railway to Edinburgh Gardens to the south.

Located on Wurundjeri Country, within an urban green corridor, the Linear Parklands is a chain of seven open space reserves, providing the local community with large areas of open space to enjoy. Spanning over 3.5 kilometres, it is the longest continuous stretch of open parklands in Yarra, containing many historical, cultural and environmental points of interest.

The Capital City Trail, running through Linear Parklands, is the busiest active transport corridor in Victoria and serves as an important commuter cycling corridor connecting people across the surrounding suburbs.

During the first stage of community consultation in 2022 we received 490 responses - this community feedback provided us with valuable information and informed the development of the draft Masterplan.

Now it's time to take a look at the draft Masterplan and let us know if it reflects your needs and the needs of our growing and changing population.

The draft Linear Parklands Masterplan Vision

A safe, equitable, parklands on Wurundjeri Country, supporting the health and sense of belonging for its diverse community. Offering a variety of experiences through a meaningful engagement with its animals, plants, culture, histories, and people.

Which areas are included?

The draft Masterplan identifies 5 areas along the Linear Parklands – Area A, B, C, D and E – each with its own history, features and characteristics. Select the hotspots in the map below to find out more information.

'The Play Plateau' - Sports and Play precinct

The draft Masterplan for Linear Parklands will be implemented over the next 20 years.  The first project to be carried out will be in Area D of the Masterplan 'the Play Plateau' - Sports and Play Precinct at Park Reserve.

The Federal Government has committed $3.75m to support Council to upgrade the area, which may include a new playground, multi-use courts, a bouldering sculpture, and recreational games such as table tennis. The design will also integrate Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung elements, biodiverse plantings, and amenities into the space.

Implementation Plan

The draft Masterplan contains an Implementation Plan for Linear Parklands.

The Implementation Plan is a strategic roadmap that prioritises projects based on their impact on the entire parklands, specific precincts within the park, and key moments in their development. Some of the opportunities include:

• Playgrounds and open space upgrades

• Lighting upgrades and facilities to improve safety  

• New facilities and infrastructure upgrades across the reserve including park furniture, toilets and shelter  

• Improved signage and wayfinding  

• Celebrating the history and heritage of the parklands  

• Increased tree canopy, water sensitive urban design, and increased biodiverse and climate adaptive plantings.  

Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung consultation

We will also be consulting directly with representatives from the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and key stakeholders on the project.

The first stage of the Linear Parklands Masterplan community consultation took place from 4 April to 1 May 2022.

What you told us

We received 490 responses to our online survey and spoke to hundreds of people at our 3 in-person pop up sessions held in the parklands. Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts with us.

Four key themes emerged from the community feedback we received:

1. Green open spaces, trees and the natural environment
2. Facilities and spaces for the community to enjoy, come together and connect
3. The shared path, its linkages and connectivity and the need to increase safety for all users
4. The history of the area including railway heritage, Indigenous and cultural history

What you like about the parklands

Most people agreed that:

• They feel safe in the parklands during the day (94%)
• The parklands are well-maintained and looked after (76%)
• There are enough opportunities/areas for children to play (55%)
• There are enough open space areas and facilities for casual sporting activities (52%)
• There is sufficient signage (i.e. directional, information, safety signage) (49%)

What needs improvement

Many people were concerned about:

• Having enough access to well maintained public toilets (47%)
• Having access to enough drinking fountains (38%)
• The amount of seating provided (33%)

The shared path

There were mixed views on how the shared cycling/pedestrian path is working*:

• 38% strongly agreed or agreed that the shared cycling/pedestrian path is working well
• 43% strongly disagreed or disagreed that the shared cycling/pedestrian path is working well
• 19% selected neutral

For more detailed information, you can read the full community engagement report.

*An earlier version of this webpage and the executive summary section of the community engagement report contained an error in the figures regarding the shared path responses. These figures and the report were corrected and re-published on 22 August 2022.

Next steps

Following the first stage of consultation we continued to gather important technical information which helped us to develop the draft Masterplan, including:

• undertaking analysis of traffic movement patterns and use of the shared path

• feedback received through the trail pop-up bike lane on Park Street in Fitzroy North Park Street project.

Stage 1 community engagement - feedback methods

The first stage of community consultation closed on 1 May 2022. The community provided feedback using the survey and mapping tool below.