Lae Street Nursery Site - Stage 2 Works

  • Project typeLandscape Construction
  • Project value$428,000
  • Project scheduleStage 2 is expected to be complete by mid-October 2025. The Community Planting Day will be held on Saturday 4 October 2025.
  • Contractor nameTBC
Lae Street Nursery - Stage 1

The former Lae Street nursery site located at 4 Lae Street, West Footscray is now public open space that the community can enjoy.

In December 2023, Council endorsed a plan to convert the former Lae Street nursery into a public open space. This concept plan has been developed via a deliberative engagement process with the Lae Street Nursery Advisory Group. With significant works to be undertaken, the realisation of this plan requires a staged implementation that will span multiple years, subject to Council's budget process.

The first stage of works was completed in September 2024, which included:

  • Gathering circle and path connections.
  • Irrigated grass areas.
  • Tree and garden bed planting.
  • New boundary fences. 

The second stage of works includes:

  • Shelter over existing gathering circle. 
  • Nature trail including nature play elements. 
  • Tree and garden bed planting behind the gathering circle (in consultation with the Bunurong Land Council - see below).
  • A community planting day will be held from 10am on Saturday 4 October.

Timing of works

Stage 2 works are expected to begin in late-June 2025 weather permitting, and it is anticipated they will be completed in mid-October 2025.

How the works will impact you?

There will be some increase in traffic movements including heavy machinery and delivery trucks accessing the site.

A portion of the Lae Street site will remain closed while these works are undertaken. 

Planting Consultation with Bunurong Land Council

Maribyrnong City Council has converted the former Lae Street council nursery into an open space for the community to enjoy.

In this process, Maribyrnong City Council consulted with the Bunurong Land Council (the registered Aboriginal party) regarding the plant selection for the site. This consultation ensures that the planting choices reflect the cultural significance and ecological values of the land. The concept plan for the site prioritises the use of native and indigenous plants, a key focus for both the local community and the Lae Street Nursery advisory group. By integrating local knowledge and expertise, we are creating a space that celebrates both nature and culture. 

Plant Species List (in consultation with the Bunurong Land Council) 

Trees

Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood)

Banksia marginate (Silver Banksia)

Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum)

Eucalyptus melliodora (Yellow Box)

Shrubs

Acacia acinacea (Gold Dust Wattle)

Atriplex semibaccata (Berry Saltbush)

Bursaria spinosa (Sweet Bursaria)

Goodenia ovata (Hop Goodenia)

Leptospermum continentale (Prickly Tea-tree)

Rubus parvifolius (Native Raspberry) OR nibayiyup (Nee-buy-Yoop) - Bunwurrung Language

Grasses

Anthosachne scabra (Common Wheat-grass)

Austrostipa bigeniculata (Kneed Spear Grass)

Carex appressa (Tall Sedge)

Dianella amoena (Matted Flax-lily)

Lomandra longifolia (Spiny Headed Mat-Rush) OR karrawan (Kuh-ruh-One) - Bunwurrung Language

Rytidosperma caespitosa (Wallaby Grass)

Rytidosperma duttonianum (Brown-black Wallaby Grass)

Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass)

Groundcovers, Herbs & Climbers

Arthropodium minus (Small Vanilla Lily)

Arthropodium strictum (Chocolate Lily)

Caesia calliantha (Blue Grass-lily)

Chrysocephalum apiculatum (Yellow Buttons)

Clematis microphylla (Small-Leafed Clematis)

Convolvulus angustissimus (Australian Bindweed)

Dichondra repens (Kidney Weed)

Kennedia prostrata (Running Postman)

Wahlenbergia communis (Tufted Bluebell)

About the Park Designer - Kristen London

Kristen London was a talented landscape architect whose work left a lasting impact on the communities she served.

One of her final projects was the design of Lae Street Nursery, where she worked closely with the local community to bring their vision to life. This project transformed underutilised land into a vibrant public open space area that now serves as a hub for social interaction, passive recreation, and connection to nature. At the heart of the park is a gathering circle which is embellished with a floral pattern. The design features Kristen favourite flower from the Banksia tree, which have also been planted around the circle in Kristen’s honour.

Kristen’s passion for nature was evident in every aspect of her designs. She believed deeply in the power of the natural world to foster connections and enrich lives, and she used this passion as a driving force in her work. For Kristen, landscape architecture wasn’t just about beauty; it was about creating spaces that encouraged people to engage with the environment and each other. Her designs integrated natural elements, such as native plants and green spaces, to create inviting areas that inspired reflection, recreation, and social interaction.

Kristen’s commitment to improving the built environment has left a profound legacy that continues to benefit those who experience her thoughtfully designed spaces.

Frequently asked questions

Is Stage 1 complete? 

Yes Stage 1 is now complete and available for community use. 

What is the mulched area in Stage 1?

The budget for Stage 2 works was approved midway through Stage 1 works. As a result, a portion of Stage 1 was not constructed as planned, as this area will be impacted by Stage 2 works. This area was mulched as an interim measure, with a permanent treatment to be delivered in Stage 2. 

When will Stage 2 works begin?

Stage 2 works are due to commence in late-June 2025. 

Was the community consulted?

For information regarding how we engaged the community please visit Your City Your Voice, Council's community engagement platform.

Location

4 Lae Street, West Footscray 3012  View Map

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