Hansen Reserve, West Footscray

Hansen Reserve

Hansen Reserve is a large municipal reserve in West Footscray with open space, sporting fields, tennis courts and a playground.

In 2023 Council’s endorsed master plan for Hansen Reserve was updated. The updated master plan provides a framework for ongoing development at the reserve which includes:

Project/Works

Status

Regional grade playground development

Completed.

Junior bike skills track construction

Completed.

Public toilet construction

Completed.

Path lighting enhancements

Completed.

Increased tree planting and landscaping

190 trees planted in past three years.  Ongoing.

Path construction and renewal

Ongoing.

Turf playing fields upgrades

Soccer pitch construction underway.

Find out more about these works

Community pavilion redevelopment.

Commencing 2025.

Find out more about these works

Construction of competition netball courts and multi purpose enclosed cricket nets

Commencing following redevelopment of community pavilion.

Find out more about these works

Construction of a skate elements plaza and basketball court

Currently looking for your input to help develop designs. 

Find out more about these works

Upcoming projects at Hansen Reserve

Soccer Pitch Upgrade

Construction dates: April 2024 to March 2025

From mid-April 2024, the two soccer pitches at the north eastern corner of the reserve will undergo a compete reconstruction, including:

  • releveling/regrading
  • upgraded irrigation
  • new subsurface drainage
  • new turf
  • new portable soccer goals
  • new synthetic surface cricket wicket

Timing of works 

The two pitches will be closed from mid-April 2024 until approximately March 2025, or until the new turf has properly established. 

How will this impact you? 

  • crews will be onsite between 7am-5pm Monday to Friday.
  • temporary fencing will be installed around the perimeter of the works area. 
  • you may notice some associated noise and presence of construction vehicles on Robbs and Glamis Roads 
  • vehicle and pedestrian access to the Reserve's eastern carpark will be modified. 
  • the shared access path will remain open for the duration of works and traffic management will be implemented to enable vehicle access to the site. 

Note: The two soccer pitches will be closed for the duration of the works. Barlow Oval (south eastern oval) and Walker Oval (north western oval) will remain open for community access. 

Community pavilion redevelopment

Indicative construction dates: Mid 2025 – Late 2026 (subject to funding approval)

The community pavilion will provide modern universally designed unisex facilities with access for people of all abilities; with the ultimate aim of increasing player retention and participation.

To provide equitable facility access across sporting codes, the new pavilion will be constructed at the centre of the four turf playing fields and the new netball courts, as per the Master Plan.

The new pavilion will boast a large multipurpose space and a meeting space that will be available for community group bookings outside of times required for sporting club activities. The pavilion will also feature a commercial kitchen, modern change rooms with gender neutral amenities, spectator seating, more storage and enhanced landscaped surrounds.

Plans for the new Pavilion are currently being developed and will be shared with the community upon completion. 

Netball courts and multi purpose cricket nets

Indicative construction dates: TBC (subject to funding approval)

Following construction of the new Community Pavilion and pending funding approval, two new competition netball courts and enclosed multipurpose cricket nets will be constructed at the eastern side of the Reserve, adjacent to the new pavilion.

The new netball courts will enable local netball teams to have access to a safe and modern training and match venue, which will help support the local football and netball league’s growing netball competition. 

The relocated enclosed multipurpose cricket nets will provide for flexibility in use outside of hours required for cricket club activities and will improve safety of Reserve users. 

Skate elements plaza and basketball court

Indicative construction dates: TBC (subject to funding approval)

Council is looking to develop a new active recreation space following community consultation. A design is being developed which will include multi-sport court area with integrated skate-able elements, as well as some social amenities for young people and the community to enjoy. The design is currently seeking input from immediate residents and young people. 

 

Past projects at Hansen Reserve

2018 Hansen Reserve Master Plan

In 2018 Council endorsed a master plan for Hansen Reserve. The Masterplan provided a framework for ongoing development at the reserve which included:

  • Upgrading the playground to a regional standard in line with recommendations in Play Maribyrnong, Council's Playground Improvement Plan 2016-26
  • Improving visitor amenities
  • Improved path construction and renewal
  • Tree planting
  • Installation of path lighting
  • Public use playing courts
  • Carpark upgrades. 

Junior bike skills track and regional playground development

Hansen Reserve, West Footscray is set to become a destination point with the construction of a new regional quality playground scheduled to commence in mid-July 2021. This will complement the junior bike skills track which opened in 2020.

The junior bike skills track is a place for young riders to learn and improve their bicycle skills in a fun and safe off-road environment.

In 2018 Bike West, a local community cycling advocacy group, secured partial State Government funding for design and installation of a bike track.  Council contributed additional funds to deliver the project.

The bike track was opened to the public in March 2020.

Regional grade playground

In 2021 a new playground equipped with iconic features that engage the senses, fuel the imagination and provide a physical challenge for people of all ages and abilities was constructed in Hansen Reserve.

The playground design was informed through community consultation when developing the Masterplan for Hansen Reserve, and references the historic use of parts of Hansen Reserve as a quarry through the use of stone, steel and timber in the design.

The centrepiece of the playground is a custom play tower with slides, climbing and balancing features and a large basket swing. This is complimented by natural play elements, including sand and waterplay opportunities as well as other playground equipment, such as swings, trampolines, rockers and others.

The playground is in a landscape setting with extensive shrub and tree planting. New visitor facilities included an additional picnic shelter, barbecues, bicycle parking and park furniture. Adjacent grass areas were improved and irrigated to provide space for ball games, and picnics.

Location

35A Roberts Street, West Footscray 3012  View Map

Google Map

Contact details

Recreation and Open Space
9688 0200
recandopenspace@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Related Information

Back to top