Whittlesea Public Gardens Master Plan 2018

In 2018, Council endorsed the Whittlesea Public Gardens Master Plan, which provided a blueprint for redeveloping the park to meet the current and future recreation needs of Lalor's changing community.

In the years since, the park has undergone a major transformation with the installation of a new playground, learn-to-ride circuit, upgraded picnic and barbecue facilities, street-style skate park, rock climbing wall, half-court basketball facilities and more.

Improvements to the gardens are continuing, with a soon-to-open off-leash dog park, and plans for a new car park, walking and cycling paths and water features underway. For more information about this project click on the link below.


Residential development

A key component of the master plan is to improve the park’s safety by establishing a residential development along the former Downs Road road reserve to increase visibility into the park, encourage visitation and expand pedestrian links to the gardens.

The concept plan of subdivision includes 25 residential lots, and a new local road extending northbound from Barry Road, with a connection through to Benaroon Drive. The new road will include indented parking spaces, pedestrian pathways and landscaping, creating improved connectivity and access into Whittlesea Public Gardens.


Community consultation

Planning permit application

In August 2024, an independent planning consultant was appointed by Council to submit a planning permit application for Council’s consideration. Due to the dual roles Council plays in the planning process, robust governance is in place to ensure delivery of fair and equitable development outcomes.

Council’s Planning department contacted affected residents in the immediate vicinity of the proposed subdivision during the public notice period in December 2024 to invite them to share their feedback on the proposed subdivision.

Anyone who may be affected by the granting of the permit were invited to have their say in writing, by email, or through this page during the public notice advertising period.

At its meeting on 20 May 2025, Council resolved to approve Planning Permit Application No. 719904 for the multi-lot residential subdivision. Council Officers notified the submitters to the application of Council’s decision and provided a copy of the Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit.

As part of their decision, Council considered the five submissions and the petition lodged in response to the planning permit application. Design guidelines have been included as a restriction on the title, which aims to ensure the amenity of adjacent residences is upheld and the interface to the Whittlesea Public Gardens is maintained.

For more information about Council’s decision on Planning Permit Application No. 719904, please click the link below.

Road discontinuance

At its meeting on 7 May 2019, Council resolved to discontinue the Down Road road reserve for the purposes of consolidation and potential sale as part of a new residential subdivision.

At the 18 March 2025 Council Meeting, Council resolved to discontinue and sell a disused area of Sarissa Street, directly north of the previously discontinued Downs Road. Prior to this decision, Council undertook a community consultation period in accordance with the Local Government Act 1989 and the Local Government Act 2020.

The discontinuance of this section of Sarissa Street will enable Council to proceed with the next steps of the proposed 25-lot residential development.

For more information about the discontinuance of part of Sarissa Street, click on the link below to be taken to the discontinuance webpage.


Contact Us

For more information on this project please contact:

Contact Information
Name Emily Trusler, Unit Manager Portfolio Development
Phone 03 9217 2170
Email info@whittlesea.vic.gov.au
Website www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au