Demolition of Shorten and Barrett Reserves to Pave the Way for Rebuild

Published on 19 February 2025

The delivery of upgraded sports fields at Shorten Reserve and a new recreation centre at the adjoining Barrett Reserve that our community has been asking for is moving closer to reality, with onsite works scheduled to begin later this year.

The Master Plan, adopted by Council in August 2024, aims to unify the two reserves into a leading sporting precinct in the west of Melbourne, with a new RecWest centre incorporating two indoor courts, a senior cricket and junior AFL compliant sized oval, new cricket nets, and improved playground.

Shorten Reserve was built on an old quarry and RecWest on a former landfill, and over time both sites have suffered subsidence issues which have impacted the buildings and surrounds and hindered the ability of the community to fully utilise the facilities.

This redevelopment will address the ageing assets and problematic ground conditions, and ensure these reserves cater for our growing population.

To support this, the Master Plan also proposes to close Market Street, between Graham and Essex streets, to create a cycleable plaza that will connect Shorten and Barrett reserves and could support markets and community events. The proposal involves closing the road to vehicular traffic transforming the closed road into an open space reserve allowing access to bicycles and pedestrians, while still allowing vehicle traffic through the south section for access to the Shorten Reserve car park.

Council will seek formal feedback on the proposal by way of a public notice process with community members able to make a written submission to Council from 26 February to 26 March. Visit the public notices page from 26 February for further details.

Following this consultation, a hearing will take place in April, and a report regarding the potential closure will go to Council for consideration in May.

The State Government has committed up to $10 million to the redevelopment project and money has also been allocated in Council’s Budget for 2024/25 to progress detailed design with a view to starting works in late 2025.

Maribyrnong News

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