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 External link.
A refreshed version of the stage two concept design was endorsed by Council at the Future Melbourne Committee meeting External link on Tuesday 23 April 2024.
This stage will deliver:
- a fully renewed plaza
- more than 2500 square metres of public open space for recreational and social activities
- new garden beds and lawn, providing the lush neighbourhood greening the community has been asking for
- approximately 130 new trees creating an additional 41 per cent tree cover, helping to create a cooler environment in summer
- street furniture such as chairs, drinking fountains, picnic tables and bike hoops
- public art
- integrated water management in Barry Street.
It is expected that construction on stage two will commence in January 2026 and be complete by the end of 2026.
Stage one 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 2500 square metres, and reducing the total amount of asphalt within the square by over 3000 square metres
- constructing over 2000 square metres 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.
