Burnley Park - closure of car park

The car park in Burnley Park, accessed via Bellevue Street, will be removed and turned into new parkland.

At its 3 April 2012 meeting, Council resolved to remove the 24-space carpark after hearing public submissions for and against the proposal.

An accessible pedestrian path will also be constructed to connect the park to Yarra Boulevard and a vehicle drop off point and disability parking installed on Park Grove as part of the plan.

The Council resolution also called for officers to report back in August 2012 to provide feedback on:

Council's approach to reduce traffic speeds and rat running in the streets surrounding Burnley Park
Ensuring the caretaker's cottage in the park is preserved
Council's approach to alleviating parking difficulties for residents and sports club members in streets on the western side of Burnley Park
Formally removing the car park from the Burnley Park Masterplan
Options for signage, public art, seating and bike parking to contribute to a pedestrian entrance to the park at Yarra Boulevard
The provision of lighting on the pedestrian path, possibly powered by motion sensors
Allowing residents to hire the Burnley Park Pavilion for one-off, low impact activities like children's birthday parties
The provision of a new recreational facility like a basketball hoop or hit-up wall at the park.

To read the report that Council considered to make its resolution, go to Page 7 of the agenda of the 3 April 2012 Council meeting.

Background

In 2003, a master plan was adopted for Burnley Park. The master plan included the removal of the car park and the construction of a new car park which would be accessed off Yarra Boulevard.

In 2006, Council sought community feedback via a planning permit application which proposed removing the car park and constructing a new car park off Yarra Boulevard. There was significant opposition to that proposal from residents who questioned the need for a car park within the park. Council did not proceed with that proposal.

In June 2010, Council conducted a parking survey which indicated that adequate parking exists on the perimeter of Burnley Park, particularly in Yarra Boulevard, and that a car park within the park may not be necessary. Further traffic counts were carried out in February, March and May 2011. The surveys indicated that adequate parking exists outside of the park to service park users.

In 2011, Council officers recommended a proposal to remove the 24-space car park, and construct a smaller 6-8 space car park near the Burnley Pavilion, with an entry off Brooks Street. Many residents expressed concerns that vehicles coming in and out of the park via Brooks Street might come into conflict with people and children.

Further information
Kevin Ayrey
Landscape Architect
9205 5770
Kevin.Ayrey@yarracity.vic.gov.au