Developing new open space in our established urban environments is rarely straightforward. With the lowest amount of open space of any metropolitan Melbourne municipality, we have a sizable task in front of us.

Glen Eira Mayor Cr Jim Magee said residents have told Council how important increasing the quantity and accessibility of open space is to them.

“Council is excited to announce that we recently acquired three properties in Bentleigh — 15, 17 and 19 Porter Road — to create a new local park,” he said.

“This will see close to 2,000 square metres of new public open space in an area that currently has limited access to parks.

“We will undertake community engagement during 2022 to create concept plans for the design of this much needed open space.”

Cr Magee indicated that Council was also in negotiation with the State Government on the acquisition of selected properties adjacent to the elevated rail corridor providing opportunities for new social, play and green spaces.

“These will improve access into the Djerring Trail and connection between our activity centres and community facilities”, he said.

Cr Magee said these opportunities would further build on the new open space currently under construction, Aileen Avenue Park in Caulfield South, that will be opening in early 2022.

“These open space projects are part of Council’s commitment to increasing open space across the municipality” he said.