At its meeting on 15 December 2025, Darebin Council endorsed updated concept designs for The Merri Common and Surrounds Open Space Improvement Project, with enhanced features including a nature-based playspace at Merri Common, outdoor gym equipment at Caddayes Corner and a variety of new playspace equipment at Peters Reserve.

See the Council Meeting Minutes open in new window

Updated Concept Plans

Council has balanced grant requirements, community aspirations, site conditions, budget constraints and, where possible, low-maintenance design to deliver a proposal which provides opportunities for rest, relaxation, physical activity and play for the community. Please see below for the concept plans.

Next Steps

  • Any decision regarding improvements at Merri Common Reserve and Caddayes Corner rely on Victrack and Metro Trains approval.
  • Council has resolved to commence discussions with VicTrack on maintaining Merri Common and Caddayes Corner on a fee-for-service basis. At this stage of the process, no formal correspondence has been received.
  • While design approval, including specific enhancements at Merri Common, ultimately rests with Victrack and Metro Trains, Darebin Council will continue to advocate for the improvements that you’ve told us are important to you.
  • We continue to partner with DEECA to gain approval to deliver this important project on behalf of the community.
  • We’ll keep you informed about key project developments, and we are always available to answer any questions you may have. Get in touch with us at merricommons@darebin.vic.gov.au

Community Engagement Summary

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback and participated in the Enhancing Merri Common & Surrounds consultation from March to May 2025. Please see below for a brief outline of the community engagement results and methods.

The community engagement findings and concept plans were presented and endorsed at the Council Meeting in December 2025.

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  • 233+ community members participated in online and face-to-face activities.

  • 132 online surveys were completed.

    9 written feedback.

  • 2 Pop Up engagements at Merri Common & Peters Reserve to speak with community members.

  • 1 special interest group meeting was held with the Merri Stationeers and Friends of Peters Reserve.

Project Background

Help us improve your local parks in Northcote

The Merri Common and Surrounds Open Space Improvement Project aims to enhance accessibility, connectivity, and overall amenity across four parks in Northcote:

  • Merri Common
  • Caddayes Corner
  • Peters Reserve
  • Green Memorial Reserve.

Planned improvements include new pathways, additional seating, tree and understory planting and an upgrade to the existing playground at Peters Reserve.

Location of the four parks

Project Background

Merri Common has long been valued by the local community. Since the 1980s, community groups such as the former Merri Action Group and the Merri Stationeers have contributed to its upkeep, planting many of the trees we see today and maintaining the space for residents, commuters, and wildlife.

In 2022, the Victorian Government allocated $1.5 million towards open space improvements at Merri Common through the Better Parks and Playgrounds Program. Council successfully applied for this funding, expanding the project to include additional sites. Since then, we have been working with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) to finalise the scope of works.

Draft Concept Designs have now been developed, and we have sought community feedback to ensure the improvements meet local needs.

Feedback through the consultation process identified aspirations for further improvements at Merri Common and Caddayes Corner. The original scope was focused on path improvements, park furniture and planting to improve the areas while minimising ongoing maintenance required by the landowner.

In preparing the updated draft concept designs, officers have worked to balance community requests for park improvements with site constraints. The proposed improvements support active and passive use across different age groups and abilities.

Key updates include:

• A nature-based play space and water fountain with a dog bowl and tap to support volunteering efforts at Merri Common Reserve,

• Outdoor gym equipment tailored for seniors and young and fit users at Caddayes Corner, and

• A refreshed and enhanced play space at Peters Reserve with play opportunities across different aged children.

We wish to thank you for all of the feedback you have provided to the proposed designs. Your input has helped guide the final plans for these important community sites. Officers have now assessed all of the feedback provided through the process and provided a report to Council on the outcome of this work at the Council Meeting on the 15 December, 2025.