A huge new community park is set to open in Melbourne's inner north-west

Earlier this year, Melbourne was ranked as the fifth best city in the world for green space. And now, things are about to get even greener. The inner north-west suburb of Flemington is about to score a massive new park – and it’s arriving sooner than we might think.

Slated to open in mid-2026, Murnalung Park is a 5,000-square-metre community space that’s set to bring a welcome dose of leisure and low-key lounging space to the area. Designed with everyday use in mind, the park will feature a hefty children’s play area, a scooter track for zooming laps, outdoor exercise equipment, picnic tables and plenty of space for community markets.

The name “Murnalung” comes courtesy of local Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Elders and translates to “bee” – a nod to the buzz of activity the space is expected to attract. And while it’s part of the larger Holland Court redevelopment, the park will open ahead of the project’s full completion, giving locals an early taste of what’s to come. 

That broader development underway in Flemington is no small undertaking. A total of 286 new homes are being delivered, spanning one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts, with a mix of social and affordable rental options. Expect energy-efficient features, modern kitchens, European laundries and private balconies – a clear upgrade on older housing stock. The site will also include Specialist Disability Accommodation, alongside shared spaces like a multipurpose community room and an area earmarked for a future café. Beyond Murnalung Park itself, the precinct will feature a pocket park, amphitheatre, forecourt and improved pedestrian and cycling pathways to better connect the neighbourhood.

For Housing and Building Minister Nick Staikos, the project is about creating “a vibrant, modern, green space for local families”, while Essendon MP Danny Pearson says Murnalung Park has been designed to bring the community together. And in a suburb that’s long balanced industry, infrastructure and racecourse crowds, that sense of connection – paired with a bit more greenery – feels like a very welcome addition.

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