Gamuda Land to deliver new 3,000sqm public park in Fishermans Bend precinct

Leading developer Gamuda Land’s proposed design of a new 3,000sqm public park within the Fishermans Bend precinct has received council endorsement, paving the way for the creation of a new urban ecosystem for the local and broader community. 

Located on the corner of Normanby Road, Johnson Street and Munro Street, directly opposite Gamuda Land’s $200M The Canopy development, Johnson Street Park has been designed in consultation with the City of Port Phillip and is a priority infrastructure project in the Victorian Government’s Fishermans Bend Framework. 

The park is proposed to be delivered under a ‘works-in-kind’ agreement, and is expected to be completed by 2026.

Gamuda Land has partnered with landscape architects Oculus, not-for-profit vegetation experts The Heart Gardening Project, Miyawaki forest makers SUGi, and Indigenous urban design advisors MURRI : YUL to deliver both The Canopy and the public park. 

Gamuda Land’s design proposes the planting of over 6,000 native plants, including 81 native trees, and will also feature a nature play, a picnic area and BBQ facilities, walking and cycling pathways, and places to rest including green open space.

The park has been well received as part of the public consultation period.
Acknowledging the support shown for the design by both community members and the City of Port Phillip, Gamuda Land general manager Jarrod Tai says, “We are committed to playing our part in the expansion of greenery within the local communities in which we develop, either directly or indirectly through partners like local councils.”

“Johnson Street Park has been designed to resonate with the local context, while also benefiting residents by providing a park on the doorstep. We value the community’s feedback and look forward to handing this park back once complete.” 

The public park will adjoin Gamuda Land’s sustainable mixed-use precinct, The Canopy, which upon completion in 2026, will comprise 213 apartments and 14 ground-floor retail tenancies. The park seamlessly connects with The Canopy through retail and food and beverage options at ground level. 

Nature is a key theme throughout The Canopy, ascending from the new forest park through to the green spine that interlaces the building right up to the podium-level residents' garden and beyond to the Level 20 rooftop. 

Focussed on sustainability, Gamuda Land aims to plant one million trees by 2030. The developer has planted 750,178 trees, with this number to grow following the completion of Johnson Street Park and The Canopy.

Johnson Street Park will now form part of a planning scheme amendment request to be lodged by the Council later this year for consideration by the Minister for Planning.

Images: Gabriel Saunders