Dear Stakeholders,

On behalf of the Councillors at Darebin City Council, thank you for your time, feedback, and patience as we progressed the next steps of the Merri Common and Surrounds Program.

On 15 December 2025, Council considered the outcome of the community consultation process and endorsed the updated concept designs based on valuable community feedback. It was clear that our community hoped to see greater site improvements, particularly at Merri Common and Caddayes Corner.

The Council Meeting report and minutes, including the updated designs, are available on our website: Enhancing Merri Common and Surrounds | Your Say Darebin

What We Heard

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

In preparing the updated draft concept designs, officers have worked to balance community requests for park improvements with site constraints.

Key Updates

Merri Common Reserve:

• Nature-based play space
• Water fountain with dog bowl and tap to support volunteering efforts

Caddayes Corner:

• Outdoor gym equipment tailored for seniors and active users

Peters Reserve:

• Refreshed and enhanced play space with opportunities for children of different ages

Green Memorial Reserve:

• Removed from scope following feedback with funding re-directed to enhancements at Merri Common Reserve.

These improvements support active and passive use across different age groups and abilities.

Next Steps

The complexity of this program, including multiple stakeholders and approval processes, has impacted the delivery schedule. Officers are working diligently to resolve these matters and progress the program to the delivery stage.

We remain committed to delivering these important improvements and will continue to keep you informed along the way.