This project stemmed from the City of Yarra’s strategic approach to ensuring the provision of adequate access to open space for its residents. Abbotsford, Melbourne is a densely populated urban area with little land available for recreational open space. The intersection of Charles Street and Mollison Street was identified as a potential location for new open space.

The City of Yarra (supported by Co Design Studio) established a ‘pop-up’ park within the space for 2 weeks to test the feasibility of and support for converting the street into a park. Following the trial, a number of issues were raised by the community including noise, visual access and privacy, anti-social behavior, maintenance and damage from tree roots.

Hansen’s Landscape Architecture team was engaged by the City of Yarra to prepare a concept plan, design development and tender documentation for the development of the pocket park. We also worked in close collaboration with CoDesign Studio to undertake further community consultation and direct stakeholder engagement with the adjacent residents to ensure transparency and support an ‘Inquiry by Design’ approach to the project.

Hansen worked collaboratively with a range of specialist subconsultants including civil, structural, electrical and hydraulic engineers, quantity surveyors and acoustic auditors to ensure the delivery of a comprehensive and high quality documentation package.

The resulting design features the use of recycled brick laid on edge with bluestone detailing, custom corten steel planter beds and feature retaining walls, unique feature lighting, open grass areas and a striking custom-designed arbor and screen feature that references the woollen mill loom machinery which was a prominent industry in Abbotsford in the 19th and early-20th Centuries.

The design reflects the diversity and character of the surrounding area, recalls and celebrates its industrial history and provides a safe, sustainable, accessible and comfortable open space for the community.