Preston’s newest open spaces

07 Dec 2020

As we get on with the job of removing four level crossings and building new stations at Bell and Preston, we’ve developed concept designs for the open space that will be created under the rail line.

By raising the rail line over Oakover Road, Bell Street, Cramer Street and Murray Road, we're creating new open spaces under the two-kilometre rail bridge.

Taking feedback from locals and input from the Preston Open Space Advisory Panel, our team has come up with a design that provides spaces that are multi-use, welcoming and easy to access.

As well as walking and cycling paths to connect the precinct, the spaces include native grassland, seating, play areas, sport facilities, a BBQ area and outdoor fitness equipment.

A new boardwalk near Oakover Road features a yarning circle; a place where people can meet to share ideas.

The project will also create green open space along the rail corridor and replant more Australian trees, shrubs and grasses – a process known as ‘rewilding’– both key themes the community told us they would love to see.

In addition to the open space created by the elevated rail line, the community told us they’d like to see more welcoming areas around the new station precincts. We’ll build new green, open spaces around the stations at Bell and Preston, featuring plenty of seating and native planting.

View our concept designs for the open space in Preston below.

By working with Preston locals, we’re confident that the new open spaces deliver what the community asked for - safe, green open spaces that can be used by everyone.

Find out more:

• Preston open space consultation fact sheet
• Preston open space constraints and considerations fact sheet

We’d like to hear from you

Do you think the open space design reflects what’s important to Preston locals?

Visit Engage Victoria to tell us what you think of the open space designs.

Feedback closes at midnight on Sunday 17 January.

POSAP Area 1 – Bell Street to Cramer Street

POSAP Area 2 – Miller Street to Showers Street

POSAP Area 3 – North of Murray Road