Garden Gully Reserve Master Plan update

About this project

We're updating the existing master plan to incorporate new public toilets, construction of a new suburban level playspace at a more suitable location within the reserve, and the provision of improved parking, paths and linkages to the Ironbark Gully Trail.

The updated master plan includes: 

  • Retaining the current oval as a multipurpose grassed sports field and designated off-leash dog area 
  • Renewal, upgrade and relocation of the playspace 
  • New public toilet facilities 
  • Formalised car parking in multiple areas  
  • Removal of cricket nets when they reach end of their asset life  
  • New connecting paths to and within the reserve 
  • New vehicle entrance  
  • Extensive plantings 

The updated Master Plan considered previous works recently completed at the Reserve and provides for upcoming programmed renewals in addition to future development opportunities that meet the needs of the community.  

More detailed design work will need to be done before any new works start.  

The City will undertake a separate community engagement process for the design of the new suburban level playspace which at this stage is currently unfunded.

Timeline

2024/2025 financial year

  • Playspace and toilet - design and approvals
  • Community consultation for new playspace

2025/2026 financial year

  • Playspace and toilet construction
  • Existing playspace will be removed

About Garden Gully Recreation Reserve

The reserve is located on Crown Land that's managed by the City and is home to Bendigo Regional Hockey Centre. It's adjacent to the Ironbark Gully Creek and can be accessed from multiple locations including Ashley St, Eaglehawk Rd, Robshaw St and via the Ironbark Gully Trail.

The reserve includes:

  • Neighbourhood playspace that's due for renewal
  • Overflow cricket training nets that are nearing the end of their asset life
  • Grassed sports field able to host junior cricket and football, that is also a designated off-leash dog area
  • No public toilets available to casual users of the reserve

Frequently asked questions

Why is the City updating the Garden Gully Recreation Reserve Master Plan?

The City is updating the master plan to incorporate future developments at the reserve including construction of a new suburban level playspace at a more suitable location within the reserve, new public toilet facilities, and provision of improved parking, paths and linkages to the Ironbark Gully Creek Trail.

The updated master plan also reflects a range of other major works that have already been completed at the reserve since 2004. 

What works/investment have taken place over recent years?

Over the past 20 years a range of improvements have taken place at the Garden Gully Recreation Reserve.

In 2003 a new wet hockey pitch was installed to cater for the 2004 Commonwealth Youth Games.

In 2018 as part of a $6.2 million redevelopment of the centre a second wet pitch (to meet global certification standards) was installed, a major new pavilion was constructed and the existing pavilion was refurbished.

Bendigo is the only hockey facility outside of Melbourne to boast two global standard international pitches as certified by the International Hockey Federation.

Seven clubs with a combined membership of some 800 people currently use the centre.

The new pavilion is located on two levels. The top level features a social room, office, toilets, kitchen/kiosk and meeting room, and external viewing decks looking over the two pitches. Ground level houses a further four change rooms with toilets and showers, plus extensive storage areas for the tenant hockey clubs.

The existing pavilion was refurbished to house two refurbished change rooms with showers and toilets as well as new umpires change rooms.

What is the history of the Garden Gully Recreation Reserve site?

The Garden Gully Recreation Reserve is a former mining site and was the home of the Garden Gully United Mine which produced 444,336 ounces of gold and paid £1,050,848 in dividends to shareholders.

The mine was located on the Garden Gully Reef Line, one of the most successful reef lines in Bendigo, and operated from 1857 until 1921.  

In 1931 the Bendigo Amalgamated Goldfields Company gifted the mine’s steel poppet legs to the former City of Bendigo.  The poppet legs were erected in Rosalind Park to serve as the lookout tower you see to this day.  

The mayor of the day Cr W H Taylor said that the lookout was erected to perpetuate the name of Bendigo as a goldfield.

Is vehicle access to the reserve from the rear of neighbouring properties allowed?

It is illegal for vehicles to access the reserve from the rear of private properties for safety reasons and legislative requirements.

What will happen to the existing playspace at Garden Gully Reserve?

The existing playspace will remain operational until the new, suburban level playspace is constructed.

When the new playspace is constructed, the existing playspace located in the informal carparking area will be removed.

Will the community be able to have input into the design of the new playspace?

The community will have an opportunity to recommend the type of play equipment (such as climbing net, basket swing or spring rocker), colours and theme they might like to see installed in the new playspace. The final decision to include any recommendations will be subject to suitability and available budget.

How will the new playspace and public toilets be funded?

The new toilets and playspace will be funded by the City of Greater Bendigo through its annual budget process.

What does WSUD and Swale mean in the plan?

WSUD means Water Sensitive Urban Design.  The use of WSUD is a smart way to design projects to deal with water in a sustainable way.

One way is the use of swales, which are like planted ditches.  They catch and move rainwater so that it doesn’t cause problems.  Swales are helpful because they let water go into the ground.  They also help to improve the quality of the water by filtering pollutants.