A PILE of rocks alongside the Bunbury Street rail tunnel could be removed to create space for a public park with tennis courts under a proposal by Maribyrnong mayor John Cumming.
Cr Cumming asked the council to investigate redevelopment options for a piece of land known as 1 Bunbury Street in Footscray.
“When the development nearby was completed they dumped all the rocks there and yet it’s counted as a council reserve,” he said.
Cr Cumming said he would await a council report on the costings but estimated that courts with lighting could cost up to $200,000.
“It could be quite expensive but needs to be done as the area is a problem in terms of maintenance. It collects rubbish and there’s questions of safety for children with the sharp stones.”
Cr Cumming said the site had an auspicious history.
Judge Sir Thomas à Beckett once had tennis courts near his house at the top of the hill, while it is believed John Batman landed on the western side of the river near Grimes Reserve in 1835.
“I’d like to see a tennis court and seats on the hill with a link to Grimes Reserve,” Cr Cumming said. “I drive past the courts at Hyde Street at 9pm and all the courts are in use,”.
“In terms of the number of residents there [in Footscray] it’s nowhere near capacity.
“They need recreation options and it’s about time council did something about it.”
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