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The transformation of an inner-city public golf course into a sprawling new parkland that will also provide a green backdrop to the chase for gold at Brisbane’s 2032 Olympics is a step closer.
Brisbane City Council’s Victoria Park-Barrambin draft masterplan has been unveiled and includes new designs featuring pedestrian and cycle bridges, water play areas, edible gardens and high-ropes courses.
It follows the vision phase of the project and public feedback, including more than 51,000 suggestions for what will be the city’s biggest new park in more than half a century.
The council closed the 90-year-old Victoria Park public golf course and clubhouse in June 2021 due to dwindling patronage to make way for the transformation of the 64ha site spanning the inner suburbs of Herston, Kelvin Grove and Spring Hill.
It was a move slammed by local golfers and Golf Australia, which argued it was a “significant loss” of one of Australia’s best 18-hole public courses.
With the release of the draft masterplan for what it touts will become an “iconic destination” for Brisbane, the council is now undertaking community consultation until the end of October.
“This will be a park for everyone, of all ages and of all interests,” Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.
“Brisbane is already recognised as Australia’s greenest capital city and our network of more than 2100 parks is a big part of the reason why.
“Our plan for this parkland will further enhance that reputation, transforming 64ha of inner-city greenspace into an iconic destination.
“We want Victoria Park to be a place regularly visited by residents from right across Brisbane as well as a must-do experience for our visitors from across the world.
“It is extremely rare for a city the size of Brisbane to have an opportunity to transform a large slice of inner-urban greenspace like this.
“That’s why we’re determined to do something so special.”
Cr Schrinner said the parkland would showcase the city’s cultural heritage and unique natural features as well as deliver new experiences, adventure and connections with nature.
“Over the park’s transformation we will increase tree canopy cover from 10 to 60 per cent, with more than 10,000 trees and shrubs already planted, including 80 native species.”
Among its key features will be a large tree house with panoramic views of the skyline and mountain ranges as well as a visitor centre.
Future works also will take into consideration plans for the equestrian cross country course and BMX freestyle events for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“This will be an incredible venue during the Brisbane 2032 Games and council has already been working with experts to ensure that the equestrian cross-country course is integrated into the masterplan,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Once the Games are over, the course will revert to public use and our plan for that part of the parkland will proceed.”
Victoria Park-Barrambin already has been reinstated as public parkland and council’s Environment, Parks and Sustainability chair Tracy Davis said works were already under way to enhance the open space.
Thousands of people visited the parkland during the recent Brisbane Festival.
“Right now we’re getting ready to install new park furniture, shelters, picnic tables, barbecues and drinking fountains as we provide more opportunities for residents and visitors to visit the parkland and enjoy Brisbane’s outdoor lifestyle,” Cr Davis said.
