Drill Hall garden reopens as a revived community space

The Drill Hall community garden is embarking on a new chapter as it continues as an inclusive and welcoming space for all to enjoy.

After facing some challenges with anti-social behaviour, which led to temporary fencing and restricted access, the garden has now reopened, inviting the public to once again experience its charm.

“It’s only a small area that we’ve got, but it’s an idea that’s been generally welcomed by people in the area,” Drill Hall Residents Association president Martin Mulvihill said. 

“We’ve set up a Sunday workshop and we always have quite a number of people there. Their activity and presence in the garden kind of crowds out the anti-social behaviour.”

During the period when the garden was fenced off, Martin, along with volunteers including a group of international students, worked to restore and rejuvenate the space, repairing areas that had been damaged.

“We’re trying to maintain not only a community garden, but help the city maintain a public amenity,” Martin told CBD News.

“We want to build on that to make the garden a lively place that’s used as an amenity, but balances with the needs of the community.”

Originally proposed by local social housing residents in 2013, the Drill Hall community garden is part of a City of Melbourne accessibility project. 

For those with mobility challenges, it offers an important space for both residents and visitors alike to enjoy some greenery in the CBD. 

Looking ahead, Martin hopes to collaborate with the City of Melbourne to introduce new features, such as a proposed outdoor gym, to make the space even more inviting, attracting not only residents of Drill Hall, but tourists and passers-by as well.

“I’ve seen from my balcony on market days, that there’s all these people stopping by to take photographs of our funny, humble little garden,” he said.

“There’s a lot of interest in it – we’re an open space for everyone.” •