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.
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.
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Peters Reserve
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Caddayes Corner
Next Steps
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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.
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132 online surveys were completed.
9 written feedback.
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2 Pop Up engagements at Merri Common & Peters Reserve to speak with community members.
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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.
