Works under way on Bedford St pocket park

Construction has begun on the new Bedford St pocket park, which will provide an additional 1500 square metres of open space for Kensington residents.

From late March excavation began on Capel St and locals can expect an increase in trucks at the eastern end of Bedford St in the coming weeks.

Under the City of Melbourne plan, the two existing reserves at Bedford and Courtney streets will be combined to create a “bigger and better” park.

The proposal for the new greenspace was first announced in late 2022 and approved by the council’s Future Melbourne Committee in November of that year.

Residents of the area should be prepared for works to take place between 7am and 5pm on weekdays over the course of construction. There will also be occasional weekend work during some mornings and early afternoons.

Some car parks on Capel St will be out of use while the road is reconstructed. Higher levels of traffic, and noise and dust caused by the excavations can also be expected according to the council.

Once the project is complete, the area will boast a fresh look and more open space. The parkland will feature play equipment, native vegetation, and communal meeting spaces.

The Bedford St plan received funding through the state government’s Suburban Parks Program and was designed with the help of input from the local community.

The park is expected to be in use by early 2025.

Caption: Cr Rohan Leppert at the current Bedford Street Reserve, which will be expanded as part of the City of Melbourne's project.