The property, together with the site of the now closed Rosstown Community Aged Care Facility, also on Ames Avenue will be converted to provide additional outdoor recreation and social facilities and increased planting of trees and vegetation. Together, these properties have a total area of 4,068 square metres, just over an acre, similar in size to Gardenvale Park.

Glen Eira Mayor Cr Jim Magee said the land purchase and proposed repurposing of the Rosstown Community Aged Care site was part of Council Plan 2021–2025 commitment to provide new and improved open space for residents to enjoy in the future as the local population continues to grow.

Glen Eira residents currently have access to the least amount of open space per capita in Victoria and the population is expected to grow by about 30,000 by 2036.

“Having access to quality public outdoor areas helps to improve mental health and wellbeing and increasing green spaces reduces the impact of urban heat and increases our tree canopy,” he said.

“This is a lasting investment in Glen Eira that will benefit both current and future communities.”

To improve access to open space, in the form of parks, playgrounds, active recreation spaces, etc., Council has allocated $26.9 million over four years to secure strategic land purchases in priority areas.

The Ames Avenue properties are in an area where there is an identified gap in open-space provision. Council will conduct community consultation in September/October to determine how these two properties will be transformed into an area for public enjoyment.

“We look forward to hearing from community members about what they want from their neighbourhood open spaces, now and in the future,” Cr. Magee said.

To view the Council Plan 2021–2025, visit our Council Plan page.

For more information contact 9524 3333.