We are creating new and improved open space at Sir William Fry Reserve to ensure it remains a great place to relax and play while we build the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) station at Cheltenham.

The new 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, replacing and upgrading the existing skate park and basketball court and improving other parts of Sir William Fry Reserve.

The new and improved open space will increase connectivity between neighbourhoods and improve access to open space, active recreation and dog-friendly spaces for locals.

Works will be complete before major construction on the SRL station at Cheltenham begins in 2028.

Updated design

What we're delivering

Feedback from over 240 community members and stakeholders has shaped the designs. As part of the improvements we'll be delivering:

• A bigger skate park, with the size increased from 700 square metres to around 1300 square metres. The skate park will have a large bowl and street skate elements to cater for various ages, modes and abilities
• New open space in the former Highett Gasworks site including a large activity lawn and a separated cycle and walking path connecting Station Street, Highett to Sir William Fry Reserve, providing a new link along the Frankston rail line
• More than 90 additional trees planted throughout the reserve
• More than 9000 square metres of enhanced garden beds with new vegetation
• Bigger, full-sized multi-sport basketball-futsal court
• New pickleball court
• New and improved toilet block
• Additional seating, bins, shelters, drinking fountains and overhead lighting
• New off-leash dog park with dog waste bag dispensers and drinking fountains with dog bowls.
• A low fence along the western edge of the off-leash dog park for cyclist and pedestrian safety. The fence will be designed to fit in with the park surroundings
• A new pocket park off Station Street, Highett with cycle parking, picnic benches and a children’s nature play area
• Several new spaces for rest and relaxation
• An enhanced events lawn to support festivals and markets
• New, improved and accessible walking paths throughout the reserve.

We are working with Kingston City Council to consider potential improvements to the lake and playground and will keep the community updated as discussions continue.

Have your say on the finer details of the design

We want to hear from the community as we finalise the finer details for the Sir William Fry Reserve design. Provide your feedback on the types of plants and materials we are planning to include in the reserve, and proposed minor vegetation removal.

Have your say by 11:59pm on Wednesday 17 December 2025.

Have your say via Engage Victoria

Next steps

Feedback on the finer design details will be incorporated.

The Public Open Space Management Plan, which guides how the Sir William Fry Reserve design will be delivered is expected to be completed early 2026.

Final designs released in 2026. Construction of the new and improved open space is planned to begin in 2027.

We will keep the community updated about upcoming works and how disruptions will be managed.

Timeline