Evelyn Street Open Space

A new lush park to add to Frankston City Centre’s renaissance.

Evelyn Street Open Space renews and returns life into a space that sat dormant for years. Pollen was thrilled to be engaged by Frankston City Council to deliver a bold vision for this site on the fringe of the Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre. As an existing natural amphitheatre, the sloping site is formalised and celebrated with sweeping gestures of planting and tiered seating. A circular stage for impromptu and planned performances doubles as a sunny perch. A curved path invites visitors into the park; increasing connectivity and encouraging people to dwell and congregate within a landscaped backdrop. A series of sculptural arbours are peppered throughout to provide both shelter and visual intrigue. 

The main jewel of the park is its vibrant and diverse planting scheme. The planting challenges the norm for public spaces and has been enthusiastically embraced by Council as an exciting departure. Close attention has been paid to the unique micro-climates of the site, formed by existing topographical challenges and considerate of the significant neighbouring high-rise development. Evelyn Street Park features a ‘rainforest walk’ full of lush shade-tolerant species, spreading and morphing across the park. Rain gardens and on-site stormwater storage capture overland flow, whilst hardy native and exotic shade trees complement the existing large trees to create a future canopy. A native flowering meadow acts as an entry feature from the Nepean Highway. 

We had the joy of collaborating with a group of excellent consultants, including Relume lighting designers, Clive Steele civil and structural engineers and other consultants, to produce a meticulously detailed and considered park.