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                    University Square – creating a 21st century park

                    Aerial view of an green block of land in the middle of a city.
                    City of Melbourne has worked with the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Government to transform University Square, one of Carlton's oldest and most loved public squares.

                    ​​​Master plan

                    The University Square Master Plan was adopted by the Future Melbourne Committee in December 2016. 

                    The vision of the master plan is to:

                    • Create a bigger park by increasing public open space to meet the needs of a rapidly growing, changing and more densely populated community.
                    • Respond to our changing climate by using open space to redirect and re-use stormwater, capture solar energy, increase tree canopy cover to reduce the urban heat island effect and to contribute to the ecological and human needs of urban space by using understorey plantings.
                    • Provide for a greater range of use and activity to meet different needs at different times.
                    • Restore a failing landscape and create a new open space hub that better serves the local community including residents, students, workers and visitors.

                    You can view the master plan at Participate Melbourne.​​​

                    Have your say
                    Read the updated University Square Master Plan and share your feedback on the design plan for Stage Two.

                    Stage 1 complete

                    Stage 1 of the master plan was completed in 2019, creating a large new open space, additional trees, bio-diverse garden and seating and terrace spaces. The following works were undertaken during this stage of works:

                    • Expanding the park by approximately 2500m², and reducing the total amount of asphalt within the square by over 3000m²
                    • Constructing over 2000m² of biodiverse planting
                    • Planting 76 new trees
                    • Activating the edges of the park with seating and terraces
                    • Installing 34 park benches in the lawn areas.

                    Stage 2 of the Master Plan will be carried out after adjacent Metro Tunnel works are complete.

                    Public art

                    Public art has been identified as a key component of the revived space.

                    Construction bulletins

                    Keep up to date on the project as it progresses.​

                    University Square Master Plan construction bulletin 5, March 2019
                    University Square Master Plan construction bulletin 2, October 2018

                    More information

                    Australian Native Grassland and Wildflower planting

                    On the western side of University Square, the City of Melbourne took the opportunity to trial an exotic wildflower meadow for the last 3 years and is now keen to trial a native grassland and wildflower seed mix this year.  We hope to learn more about direct seeding of Australian grassland species while providing joy to the community. The works will occur during May and June 2022. The planting area is temporary for about 5-7 years (or until Metro tunnel is complete and Stage 2 of University Square starts). 

                    M Pavilion

                    The installation of the M Pavilion 2019 will take place in University Square during May to August 2022. The construction is managed by University of Melbourne. The pavilion will permanent/temporary 5+5 years and will serve as a venue for educational events.

                    For more information, please contact 03 9658 9658, email universitysquare@melbourne.vic.gov.au or visit participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/universitysquare

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