The West Gate Tunnel Project is more than a road, we are also delivering new cycling and walking paths and creating nearly 9 hectares of new open space. This open space will be made up of parks and wetlands, and over 17,000 trees will be planted along the project corridor.

Around the Hyde Street Reserve and Stony Creek area of the project, we will create a greener and better-connected west by:

• turning vacant industrial land into new open space adding to Hyde Street Reserve
• completing the missing link in the Stony Creek walking and cycling path by linking Hyde Street Reserve, the adjacent industrial area, and Spotswood Station via Hall Street
• revitalising and revegetating the green space surrounding Hyde Street and creek embankments
• creating rest stops with seating and signage, set amidst indigenous artworks, signage and plantings of grasses and trees along the walking and cycling path
• planting indigenous tree species to increase tree canopy cover for the area.

New open space to expand Hyde Street Reserve

Tree and plant species

A selection of native grasses, trees, ground covers and shrubs, will green and colour the landscape around the Hyde Street ramps and Stony Creek.

Native trees such as the Black Sheoak will rise 8 metres into the sky increasing tree canopy, while native grasses including the Coastal Tussock and Emu Grass will enhance the landscape along the walking and cycling path.

Designing open space

The open space landscape design has been shaped by:

• choosing the right mix of plant species to highlight indigenous vegetation and increase biodiversity and habitats along the creek corridor
• identifying the best planting locations to maximise tree canopy cover, meet Urban Forest Strategy requirements, and enhance biodiversity and habitat along the creek corridor
• improving public safety by providing clearer sightlines throughout the area, where possible, allowing for a less visually obtrusive open space
• minimising ecological disturbance by taking existing plants and habitats within the Stony Creek corridor into account
• locating seating rest areas along the walking and cycling path for improved connectivity while providing lookout spaces for views to Stony Creek.

Working with stakeholders

After years of talking with communities, local authorities and our Community Liaison Groups, we understand that landscaping is of great interest to locals.

Feedback indicates that community members are keen to see vegetation replaced quickly, with a focus on native plants that will complement and adapt well to the existing local environment, and provide a green visual screen in a range of areas, including near new noise walls.

Residents are also keen to see the project construction sites transform into open spaces for the community, creating new recreation areas along the project corridor. We will continue to work with local authorities and the community as we build the new open space.