Future as a garden city to be shaped at Melbourne Conversations

Melbourne Conversations will host a free event, “Future Proofing Green Spaces”, around fostering Melbourne’s connection with nature on Thursday, March 27 at Fed Square.

Leaders from across horticulture, ecology and urban design industries will meet for the free conference, with the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation’s new Laak Boorndap green space among the top agenda items to be discussed.

“Future Proofing Green Spaces will bring together the best minds in design, ecology and sustainability to reimagine how nature and city life can thrive together,” Lord Mayor Nick Reece said.

Victoria used to be known as the garden state and now we’re making Melbourne the garden city.

Acting director of engagement and impact at Royal Botanic Garden Victoria Émer Harrington will host the session with panellists including international horticulturalist Professor James Hitchmough, renowned green infrastructure researcher Associate Professor Claire Farrel, Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri creative and founder of Kalinya Studios, Jirra Lulla Harvey, and principal of HASSELL Jon Hazelwood.

Claire Farrell said the discussion would explore how “game-changing approaches” like Laak Boorndap – an 18,000 sqm urban garden set to transform the Arts Precinct with a densely planted, biodiverse space for people, art and performance – would hold Melbourne in good stead for years to come.  

Speaking about the transformational greening initiative, Jon Hazelwood added that it would be one of the city’s “most ambitious and influential urban greening projects to date.”

“Its focus is a celebration of nature in the city, a place for both people and local wildlife species like Blue Banded Bees to co-exist and will provide valuable insights into future-proofing the city’s existing and future greenery. This is a must-attend event for anyone invested in the future of the city's green spaces,” Mr Hazelwood said.

The conversation also explores the future of Melbourne as a garden city and how green open spaces support the City of Melbourne’s 570 hectares of public and community for generations to come.

It will also delve into the importance of First Nations consultation in deepening our understanding of pre-colonial ecosystems and fostering greater connection to our waterways.

“Melbourne is a city built on big ideas - and this event is an opportunity for our community to hear how we can improve our city’s green spaces and make them more accessible to more Melburnians,” the council’s tourism and events portfolio lead Cr Mark Scott said.

Laak Boorndap is designed to flourish year-round and continually foster biodiversity with six different areas of thematic planting to show natural Australian landscapes.

The urban garden connects the new The Fox: NGV Contemporary, NGV International, Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall and Theatres Building, along with the adjacent The Primrose Potter Australian Ballet Centre.

Future Proofing Green Spaces is presented through a partnership with the City of Melbourne and the Melbourne Art Precinct Corporation. The event offers a pop-up library with a curated a selection of borrowable resources that will be available in the evening.

The event will take place between 6pm and 7.15pm. Tickets are free but registrations are essential.