Council is proposing two key improvements at Murrumbeena Park:

• Conversion of the former Bute Street car park into passive open space suitable for dog off-leash use and informal recreation.
• Construction of a new full-size multipurpose court suitable for basketball and netball, located south of the Murrumbeena Park Pavilion.

The project will also include improved pathways, seating, landscaping, and provision for future court lighting. These works form part of the endorsed Murrumbeena Park Masterplan.

Community feedback received in April 2026 has helped shape the proposed design. Key changes include:

• A grassed area suitable for dog off-leash use.
• A new drinking fountain with a dog bowl.
• Increased boundary planting to provide additional screening for neighbouring properties.
• Inclusion of fitness equipment, subject to funding, to support a broader range of park users.

Irrigation was raised as a concern for the grassed area. Council does not irrigate passive open spaces beyond the establishment period. However the new grassed area will be maintained in line with other similar areas by the Council Park Services team ensuring the health of the grass post construction activities.

Demand for basketball and netball facilities continues to grow, particularly in this part of the municipality. The new court responds to current and future community need while balancing active and passive recreation across the park.

Further design work confirmed the former Bute Street carpark cannot fit a full-size court in the preferred orientation without major impacts, including:

• Loss of established trees
• Poor access and movement through the park
• A court that would not function properly
• Relocating the court allows it to be built to the correct size and orientation while protecting key park features.

• The court is designed for the south of the pavilion.
• Retains important boundary trees.
• Improves pedestrian connections.
• Allows the court to function as intended in better orientation for users.
• Fits within the long-term Masterplan vision.

The car park will be removed and returned to landscaped open space. This area will:

• Support informal recreation
• Continue to be available for dog off-leash use
• Include new trees and seating to improve park amenity over time

Yes. Dog off-leash use will continue at Murrumbeena Park.

The converted Bute Street area will provide additional space for informal recreation and help maintain opportunities for dog walking during sporting activities elsewhere in the park.
Construction staging is proposed so that the Bute Street conversion is completed before court construction begins, helping maintain dog off-leash access throughout the project.

• The project has been designed to minimise tree removal.
• The revised court location helps retain key boundary trees.
• There is one tree planned for removal to the south of the pavilion.
• Additional tree planting and landscaping are included as part of the project, improving shade and amenity over time.

The project includes provision for sports lighting. The implementation of lighting is subject to funding availability.

The multipurpose court has been located away from residential property boundaries and will be separated from neighbouring properties by landscaping, including garden beds, trees and other planting. This arrangement is similar to other reserves located throughout the City of Glen Eira municipality.

The proposed lighting design aims to minimise impacts on nearby residents by directing light onto the court and reducing light spill beyond the playing area. Any future sports lighting will include operating curfews and remote shut-off capabilities to help manage use outside approved hours.

Together, the court location, landscaping and lighting controls have been designed to minimise potential noise and lighting impacts on surrounding properties.

Any temporary impacts during construction will be clearly communicated ahead of time through signage and the project webpage. Council will aim to keep park disruptions to a minimum.

Construction is anticipated to commence in early 2027.

Works are expected to be staged, with the conversion of the former Bute Street car park occurring first, followed by construction of the multipurpose court south of the pavilion.

Yes. The Murrumbeena Park Masterplan, endorsed in 2019, was developed through community consultation and identified a multipurpose court as part of the park's long-term vision.

Council has also undertaken additional engagement on the current project, including a letter drop and on-site community walk-through in April 2026. Feedback received through these activities has helped inform the proposed design and project refinements.

Council will provide updates through:

• On-site signage at the park during construction
• The webpage will be updated as the project progresses.

Open Space Design and Delivery team

Phone: 03 9524 3333
Email: projects@gleneira.vic.gov.au