A new community garden will be established on an $8.5million Footscray development site before townhouses are built next year.
The land at 130-186 Buckley Street was sold by the state government to Evolve Development earlier this year.
Evolve will grant access to the 4341-square metre parcel of land to not-for-profit group 3000acres, before it is used for residential development.
3000acres works with community groups, government bodies, landowners and local governments to create temporary and long-term food gardens in urban environments. Manager Pippa French said a planning meeting would be held at the site on Sunday, October 15 at 11am.
“We’re hoping to put a thriving garden on it,” she said. “I think Footscray’s crying out for a bit more open space, a bit more green space.”
“We’re hoping to work with everyone, chat with all of the community members who are interested and design a pop-up garden to grow food between now and when the developers start building.
“We’re talking to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, trying to involve them as well, so we can grow food for their foodbank.
“We’d also have a whole range of volunteers and locals getting involved, working on the produce and sharing the harvest.”
Evolve managing director Ashley Williams said the site would be developed into townhouses mid to late next year.
“We think it’s a great way to activate a long-dormant site prior to development and can’t wait to see 3000acres and the community bring it to life.”
For details visit 3000acres and New Community Garden for Footscray on Facebook.
