The new Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) station at Cheltenham will be the southern gateway to the SRL network, providing faster and more convenient public transport to key destinations across Melbourne’s suburbs.

To prepare for construction of the new station, we’re delivering new permanent open space in the former Highett Gasworks site and making further improvements within Sir William Fry Reserve.

Building an underground train station is a massive and complex undertaking, particularly in the built-up middle suburbs of Melbourne.

The new permanent open space will replace the parkland needed in the southern part of Sir William Fry Reserve to build the new SRL station at Cheltenham. We are also relocating the skate park and basketball court.

New cycling and walking paths connecting Highett to Bay Road along the Frankston rail line will also be delivered.

These works will be completed before major construction of the new SRL station at Cheltenham begins in 2028.

Further details on the requirements for the new permanent open space are available in the SRL East Public Open Space Framework.

Proposed early design for Sir William Fry Reserve

Suburban Rail Loop Authority is working closely with Kingston City Council, Bayside City Council, Development Victoria and the Level Crossing Removal Project. This collaboration will ensure the best community outcomes can be delivered through Sir William Fry Reserve, the former Highett Gasworks and along the Frankston rail line.

New permanent open space

New permanent open space will be provided in the former Highett Gasworks site to replace parkland needed to build the SRL station at Cheltenham.

Highett Gasworks was chosen because it provides new open space adjacent to Sir William Fry Reserve and increases cycling and walking connectivity between Highett, Pennydale and surrounding areas.

Skate park and basketball court relocation

The existing skate park and basketball court will be relocated within Sir William Fry Reserve ahead of major construction. The new facilities will be upgraded and built to modern standards, ensuring users continue to have access to high quality recreational facilities.

Sir William Fry Reserve improvements

As part of the changes to Sir William Fry Reserve, we will also deliver a range of improvements. These will ensure the community continues to have quality open space where they can exercise, play, socialise and be amongst nature and greenery.

Proposed improvements include:

• Station Street pocket park
• New and upgraded seating
• Activity lawn with walking track
• Off-leash dog park
• Events lawn
• Active recreation including basketball court
• New and improved walking paths including a path along the Frankston rail line linking Highett to Bay Road
• Increased and improved vegetation
• Improved lighting and signage
• New drinking fountains.

Changes to existing lake and playground are not proposed.

The early design proposes to reduce the size of the northern reserve car park. This will allow a larger basketball court and active recreation facilities to be built without significantly impacting established trees and taking more green space.

Due to current car park usage, and available car parks in the area, this is not expected to cause issues with capacity.

Design principles for new open space and improvements at Sir William Fry Reserve

Several design principles have been identified to guide the planning and construction at Sir William Fry Reserve. These include:

• Preserving the garden character of Sir William Fry Reserve
• Designing for inclusion
• Caring for country as guided by engagement with Bunurong Registered Aboriginal Party
• Creating memorable places for people
• Sustainability
• Promoting biodiversity
• Connectivity
• Creating flexible spaces that can accommodate a range of future uses
• Creating a practical and maintainable space
• Considering the current and future context of local area including population growth.

Have your say

We know the Highett, Cheltenham and Pennydale communities highly value open space.

We want to hear from the community about what you'd like the future Sir William Fry Reserve to look like.

The survey will close at 11.59pm on Tuesday 2 September 2025.

Have your say via Engage Victoria

Additionally, drop into one of our pop-ups to meet the team and find out more about the changes to Sir William Fry Reserve. Come by any time; a formal presentation will not be provided.

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