Creating Highett's new community green space

We're creating a new temporary park in the heart of Highett.

We are seeking community input on the creation of green space for the Highett community on the former Highett Preschool site in Station Street.

As many of you are aware, sadly the kindergarten closed at the end of 2019 as the aged building was no longer safe. Council is now progressing with removing the building.

Dating back over 60 years ago, this site has a long history as a space for young children to play, families to come together and as a colourful, green community space. Last year at the kinder farewell, we heard from the Highett community how valued this space is and ensuring we rebuild a Highett kindergarten is a top priority. While we find a new home for the kindergarten and with the level crossing removal project coming up, Council will create a temporary green space for everyone to enjoy. We have heard how valued green spaces are in Highett and we need input from our local community to help shape the new space!

Help shape the new temporary park:

Planning for the park is underway, and we are keen for the local community to help shape the new space which will add some much-needed green space in the heart of Highett.
We have also heard loud and clear from the community that it's important to celebrate the site's heritage as a pre-school, which had such a positive impact on local families over 60 years.

Current plans for the space (see diagram below and plans in the Document Library) include:

• retaining existing mature trees and plant additional trees and vegetation
• installing picnic tables and bench seats
• providing a granitic pathway through the site, with solar totem lighting
• a lawn area for relaxation and general play
• incorporating artwork on fencing that featured on the former pre-school building, as a way of celebrating the site’s strong history in the local community (See the photos section to view the artwork).

While the site is not large enough for significant play equipment, we are exploring opportunities to add some nature play equipment in the park.

This consultation is now closed.

Project update

Thank you for sharing your feedback on Highett's new pocket park! Your input helped shape the final concept plan, which includes:

• Additional trees and vegetation
• Picnic table and bench seats
• Nature play area
• A granitic pathway through the site
• Open space lawn area for relaxation and general play
• Poppy-themed artwork on the neighbouring RSL brick wall, including timed lighting
• Historic preschool artwork printed and displayed on vinyl canvassing within the park
  
  

Construction timeline and impacts

Demolition at the site has occurred, and construction on the new pocket park will commence in the coming weeks. We anticipate the works to be completed by the end of 2023, followed by a 6-week closed maintenance period allowing for the successful establishment of turf and vegetation.

The open space will remain closed during construction, with temporary fencing installed for the project's duration and throughout the maintenance period. We aim for the new pocket park to be open for community enjoyment in February 2024.

We're excited to deliver this temporary green space for the community to enjoy while we explore opportunities for expanded kindergarten services in this area and await clarity on the upcoming Victorian Government's Level Crossing Removal Project (which will remove crossings at Highett Road and Wickham Road by 2029.)