At it's meeting on 17 October 2022, Council approved the awarding of the contract to begin construction of the Waterdale Road pocket park and shared zone. Construction began in early 2023 and was completed in June 2023.

The official opening was on the 18 July 2023 with local ward Councillor Cr. Alida Mckern, Mayor Cr. Peter Castaldo, Cr. Tom Melican and local state government member Hon. Anthony Carbines in attendance. Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Elder Uncle Charles gave a welcome to Country at the events start.

Watch a recording of the Council Meeting or view the Council minutes and report here.

Due to budget constraints, the scope of works has been altered with the southern pocket park not being delivered at this time.

Use the slider to see what the space looks like now!

Population growth and increased urban density will have a significant impact on open space within Ivanhoe. As a result, the development of new open space areas within the suburb is a high priority for Council.

In partnership with the State Government, we created a new pocket park and a shared pedestrian/car zone in the heart of Ivanhoe in line with the Ivanhoe Structure Plan.

The pocket park brings an uplifting fresh, green space to an otherwise built-up urban area, giving you space for connection, socialising and relaxation. The project includes significant landscaping and the installation of canopy trees that provide shade and relief from the effects of urban heat. The shared zone makes safer for everyone to access the new pocket park.

The pocket parks will act as welcoming meeting place for social interactions, and artistic, recreational and cultural activity (Ivanhoe Structure Plan, Section 2.5.4, Civic, Community and Entertainment, page 27).

The project includes:

• a pocket park close to the shops along Upper Heidelberg Road and in the road reserve to the south of Norman Street
• a shared pedestrian/car zone (maintaining car access to existing properties) on Waterdale Road between the new pocket park on Upper Heidelberg Road and Norman Street
• road closure at the northern end of Waterdale Road where it intersects with Upper Heidelberg Road (south side)
• minimal impacts on the current parking where possible through considered design.

This project was funded by the Victorian Government through the Local Parks Program in partnership with Banyule City Council.

View the concept design and artist impression of the area below.