Princes Gardens Masterplan & Implementation

In 2015 the Prahran community were asked what they valued about Princes Gardens – one of the largest parcels of public open space in Stonnington. For those who live in the neighbourhood, or are aware of the Prahran Aquatic Centre or the infamous vert ramp, the active and passive recreation opportunities the Gardens provides are eclectic and highly valued by the local community. Though even with the range of activities on offer, the Gardens were seen to be unsafe and inaccessible, and the facilities tired and outdated. For these reasons Council sought to refresh the Princes Gardens Master Plan and undertake staged upgrades to improve the quality of open space and public facilities.

Extensive community consultation and direct engagement with stakeholder groups was undertaken by Council and Hansen Partnership to inform the development of the Princes Gardens Master Plan. Following its release, the community was asked to comment on the Master Plan objectives and 80% of people surveyed said they would use the Gardens more if the Master Plan was implemented.

Stage 1 addressed the key issues of safety, surveillance, access and function by establishing a wide, well-lit north-south pedestrian avenue connecting Malvern Road to Princes Close.

With contract administrative assistance from Hansen Partnership, Council recently delivered two more stages of the master plan comprising a new entry forecourt, car park and gardens for the arts and events venue Chapel Off Chapel which is located centrally within the Gardens; and an expansive new grassed area, gardens, paths, tree planting and a renewed Vietnam War Memorial garden associated with the Chapel fronting Malvern Road. These sections of the Gardens were opened to the public in October 2022 and also form the western interface to the Prahran skate park and basketball court.