Harkness: reimagining the public cemetery

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Victoria’s largest new cemetery in 100 years is coming to your community.

The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) is proud to be developing a memorial park at Harkness a 128-hectare cemetery and public park 40km northwest of Melbourne CBD. Here at GMCT, it all started with one question: What should a cemetery be?

We envisioned a reassuring sanctuary where people could connect to nature and each other, but we also believe that it should be what you need. So, we invited you all to reimagine the public cemetery with us.

Engaging with the Traditional Owners of the land, the Wurundjeri people, and the local community has been central to our design process. With your help, we’ve master planned a memorial park that embraces Wurundjeri culture, creates a place for peaceful reflection and remembrance, and celebrates life through a multi-use space for the public.

Thank you for your feedback

We sincerely thank everyone who has contributed their ideas so far. Across the project, we’ve had more than 280 engagements, including surveys, advisory group meetings, site walks, community workshops, and pop-ups. But the journey far from over.

We will be looking for and welcoming your honest feedback at each step of the design and construction process. Below, you will find engagement opportunities and regular updates about the project.

Subscribe for updates

Complete the form on our website to subscribe for updates: https://www.gmct.com.au/harkness

Victoria’s largest new cemetery in 100 years is coming to your community.

The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) is proud to be developing a memorial park at Harkness a 128-hectare cemetery and public park 40km northwest of Melbourne CBD. Here at GMCT, it all started with one question: What should a cemetery be?

We envisioned a reassuring sanctuary where people could connect to nature and each other, but we also believe that it should be what you need. So, we invited you all to reimagine the public cemetery with us.

Engaging with the Traditional Owners of the land, the Wurundjeri people, and the local community has been central to our design process. With your help, we’ve master planned a memorial park that embraces Wurundjeri culture, creates a place for peaceful reflection and remembrance, and celebrates life through a multi-use space for the public.

Thank you for your feedback

We sincerely thank everyone who has contributed their ideas so far. Across the project, we’ve had more than 280 engagements, including surveys, advisory group meetings, site walks, community workshops, and pop-ups. But the journey far from over.

We will be looking for and welcoming your honest feedback at each step of the design and construction process. Below, you will find engagement opportunities and regular updates about the project.

Subscribe for updates

Complete the form on our website to subscribe for updates: https://www.gmct.com.au/harkness

Ask a question about the development at Harkness

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  • Share when will plots be available for purchase ? and rough estimates prices on Facebook Share when will plots be available for purchase ? and rough estimates prices on Twitter Share when will plots be available for purchase ? and rough estimates prices on Linkedin Email when will plots be available for purchase ? and rough estimates prices link

    when will plots be available for purchase ? and rough estimates prices

    adeappolonia asked about 2 months ago

    We will open an Expression of Interest this year when the memorial park's detailed design (for the first stage of work) has been released. This will be widely shared through GMCT’s website, local papers, and our community consultation hub YourSay

    A variety of options will be offered to suit different preferences and budgets. A tiered pricing structure will be designed to meet the diverse needs of the community, ensuring that everyone can find a suitable option. Pricing details will be available closer to the opening of the memorial park. 

  • Share Are thr roads in the area going to be upgraded? on Facebook Share Are thr roads in the area going to be upgraded? on Twitter Share Are thr roads in the area going to be upgraded? on Linkedin Email Are thr roads in the area going to be upgraded? link

    Are thr roads in the area going to be upgraded?

    Sandra asked 6 months ago

    Yes, the section of Harkness Road up to the memorial park entrance will be upgraded after the first stage of work is completed. Additionally, the State Government is considering upgrading the Western Freeway between Harkness Road in Melton and Christie Road in Caroline Springs.

  • Share Can you advise exactly where the graves will be located? as houses along chanticlear back on to the proposed memorial park? We are looking at purchasing a house and we want to know what exactly we will be backing onto with this proposed plan on Facebook Share Can you advise exactly where the graves will be located? as houses along chanticlear back on to the proposed memorial park? We are looking at purchasing a house and we want to know what exactly we will be backing onto with this proposed plan on Twitter Share Can you advise exactly where the graves will be located? as houses along chanticlear back on to the proposed memorial park? We are looking at purchasing a house and we want to know what exactly we will be backing onto with this proposed plan on Linkedin Email Can you advise exactly where the graves will be located? as houses along chanticlear back on to the proposed memorial park? We are looking at purchasing a house and we want to know what exactly we will be backing onto with this proposed plan link

    Can you advise exactly where the graves will be located? as houses along chanticlear back on to the proposed memorial park? We are looking at purchasing a house and we want to know what exactly we will be backing onto with this proposed plan

    stacey asked 6 months ago

    We are currently developing the detailed plans for the first stage of the memorial park located at the southern end of the site. The first stage will include the public entry, essential services and infrastructure, and landscaping along the residential boundary.

    The plans and design will be shared early next year, with construction set to begin in mid-2025. 

    For more information, view the Master Plan or the latest project news


Page last updated: 18 Mar 2025, 03:28 PM