December 2022: Engagement update
In August 2021, the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) announced the appointment of a consortium - Aurecon, Architectus, McGregor Coxall and Greenshoot Consulting to work alongside their team to develop a master plan for the new site at Harkness. The 128-hectare site represents the largest cemetery development project in Victoria for 100 years, and it will serve Victoria’s communities for more than 100 years to come.
The new site at Harkness represents a landmark opportunity to ‘reimagine the public cemetery’ and provide the community with a valued space that not only provides memorialisation needs, but also contributes to the amenity and liveability of the area.
As part of the master planning preparation, the consortium engaged and consulted with the community and key stakeholders on their priorities and vision for the site. This process sought to ensure that the design of the master plan considers the requirements of the community it will serve. This engagement period spanned across four months from mid-November 2021 to 15 March 2022. Over this time, the consortium spoke with the Traditional Owners, local community members, industry experts, cultural and religious communities, government bodies, and innovative future thinkers.
Community and stakeholders told us that the following ideas are important to explore designing the master plan for the new site at Harkness:
Traditional Owners
Inclusion of Wurundjeri people and culture. Specifically, environmental educational opportunities and cultural education.
Security, access and wayfinding
Adequate security for safety reasons, accessibility and clear wayfinding for users.
Maintain respect and peace
Programming opportunities should not impact the serenity of the site; specifically, surrounding noise and disruptive visuals.
Greenspace and walking/ cycling trails
Green spaces, walking and cycling tracks designed for all community members. This was the most frequently occurring theme.
Water features
Water features that would add a sense of peace and tranquillity to the site.
Native plants and animals
Contributions towards ecological preservation and active measures to attract native animals, particularly birds.
Spaces for sitting/ reflecting
The need for ample seating areas due to accessibility considerations and seats providing a space for reflection.
Maintenance of views
Maintenance of peaceful views on the site which would benefit neighbouring residents and future users of the site.
Sustainability
Implementation of sustainable practices and space for more sustainable interment options.
Interment land
Multifaith areas, a dedicated area for deceased children and babies, and consideration for pets.
Community garden
A community garden area where people could work and socialise together to connect and share culture.
Café/ restaurant
A café/ restaurant that would contribute amenity to the site and provide a facility for after-service functions.
Florist
A florist to service those who wish to bring flowers to the memorial site of a deceased loved one.
Educational facilities
A facility that encourages educational opportunities for the local community, including cultural, ecological and historical learning activities.
Multipurpose community spaces
Community spaces including conferences spaces, an arts function centre and a space for cultural celebrations; all of which Melton is currently lacking.
