Turning vision into reality

Welcome to our first update for 2025 – an exciting year ahead for the new memorial park in Harkness!

While we are finalising the design for the first stage of work, we wanted to provide an update on our progress and future timelines.

Detailed design progress

GMCT released the master plan for the new memorial park in February 2023. This outlines our long-term vision for the site – spanning an area three times the size of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens.

A site of this size means that we need to take a staged approach, evolving the memorial park as the surrounding community grows. Over the past year, our focus has been on the first stage of works. This stage will establish essential service and infrastructure, located along the southern boundary (see aerial image) entering from Harkness Road.

We are now deep in the detailed design phase, which is essentially the look and feel of the memorial park. This includes:

  • Locations for internal roads, buildings and car parks designed to enhance accessibility

  • Burial and memorialisation options and their locations in the memorial park

  • Layout of the reception and event space rooms

  • Building materials and exterior finishes

  • Interior finishes including carpeting and furniture

  • Plant selection and landscaping

Once we have completed the design, down to the last paint colour and tree positioning, we will share our plans with the community. This will likely be before Easter 2025.

What to expect this year

2025 marks a year of tangible progress on site, as we prepare to turn the designs into reality.

APRIL: Public launch of the design

Keep an eye out for:

  • A letter to local residents

  • Community pop-up in Harkness – stay tuned for further details in upcoming newsletters

  • Posters, social media, billboards and an updated website

  • Other engagement opportunities across the year.


FROM MAY: On site activities increase

This involves:

  • Calling for tender applications for a construction company to lead our early works program

  • GMCT staff conducting on-site visits with contractors

  • Planting trees along the southern boundary and Harkness Road frontage to help establish vegetation and enhance the overall character and beauty of the park. Trees are being selected for their climate resilience and ecological value.

  • Shaping and forming the landscape in the first stage development area


MID YEAR: Expressions of Interest (EOI) open

With Melton Cemetery at capacity, we know that many people are pre-planning and would seek comfort in having a plot set aside for them at Harkness. An EOI is the first step of this process.


LATE THIS YEAR: Major construction starts

We’re committed to keeping our neighbours informed about any disruptions and how we’ll minimise impacts.

Major construction involves heavy machinery, construction workers regularly on site, some noise during work hours, and additional traffic on Harkness Road

As we get closer to this milestone, we will provide more information.


EARLY 2027: New memorial park opens

The park will be in operation and ready for community use.



We will also be documenting the site throughout this time, including drone footage, videography and photography. This will not only show our progress but also provide you with a unique insight into the project.

Drone activity will remain strictly above the park site and will not include footage of residential areas.

Even though it may appear quiet now, we are working hard behind the scenes to create a special place to gather, reflect and celebrate life.

We look forward to bringing this new memorial park to Melbourne’s west.

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