Footscray Park’s Grand New Entrance makes its debut

Published on 04 June 2019

Footscray Park now boasts a new, iconic entrance which enhances its public profile and highlights the heritage elements, abundant gardens and amenity of this State-significant park.

The Footscray Park Master Plan (2011) recommended that the Moore St entry be enhanced with a ‘more extravagant, artful and eye catching entry feature incorporating the park name.’ It is also a major wayfinding tool, highlighting this entrance to Footscray Park which is not highly visible due to the 1960s widening of Ballarat Road that set the park below street level.

Planning for the new signage commenced in 2016, with Council working with Heritage Victoria to ensure a design sensitive to the heritage significance of the gardens, which are listed on the Victorian State Heritage Register.

The new entry signage enhances the appeal of Maribyrnong’s premier open space, increasing awareness of the presence and value of this special Park. It will also create an iconic gateway which will improve the heritage significance of the Park.

A Word from the Mayor, Cr Martin Zakharov

“Footscray Park is the most iconic park in our City and one of the most significant in the State.  

“The Moore Street entrance was purely functional with little regard to the aesthetic of the gardens. As a result many people passing by were not aware of the Park’s abundant gardens and amenity.

“This new, grand entrance creates a true gateway to this magnificent gem, drawing people in to experience the wonders of the gardens.”

Main photo

(Left to right) Former Maribyrnong City Council Mayor Cameron McDonald who initiated the signage project and Mayor, Cr Martin Zakharov.