A NEW STANDARD IN PUBLIC SPACE

Renewing an outdated public space in Prahran, this project has delivered reactivated amenities to the local community on a grand scale.

An architecturally designed community piazza, the new Prahran Square sits on the site of the old Cato Street carpark in Prahran, Victoria. Funded by the City of Stonnington to the tune of $60 million, the 10,000 square metre hub now serves as a multifunctional urban parkland residing above a 500-space carpark in the urban centre.

One of the largest and most ambitious construction projects ever delivered in the region, Prahran Square now offers open space for recreation, markets and festivals, and is already on its way to becoming an iconic destination space for residents and visitors to Stonnington.

Designed by Lyons Architecture and Aspect Studios, the park is separated into a series of defined areas arranged around a central square. The design includes ecologically sensitive features such as solar energy generation and stormwater management. With a variety of spaces that are inviting to users, the new piazza is a model for sustainable development and urban revitalisation that offers something for everyone.

Working in conjunction with builder Kane Construction, ACE Landscape Services was instrumental in the redevelopment of the area, completing all landscaping works in the main square. The company’s scope of works covered hardscape works, including laying exposed-aggregate pavement and paving, custom precast amphitheatre seating, the supply and install of street furniture and custom seating planters, as well as timber decking, laying over 1000 square metres of turf, and all necessary drainage work to maintain the space into the future. Bespoke playground elements were also installed, along with garden beds, extensive planted areas, mulch and irrigation, all completed by ACE staff.

Large established natives offer shade and soften the hard elements of the square. A naturalised hub of garden shrubs and trees surrounded by locally acquired mudstone walls erected by ACE provides a space for quiet contemplation. For the more social, under the shade of large palm trees sits a café garden teeming with native herbs and groundcovers in raised planters set among tables and benches made for gathering and eating.

Providing links between Grattan Gardens and Princes Gardens, while encouraging greater activation in the Chapel Street and Greville Street commercial precincts, Prahran Square is a vibrant placemaking initiative that has delivered greater amenity for locals and visitors to interact and connect.

PROJECT PARTICULARS
Client City of Stonnington
Location Prahran, Victoria
Architect Lyons Architecture
Landscape Architect ASPECT Studios
Builder Kane Constructions
Landscape Contractor ACE Landscape Services