THE PARK AT THE CENTRE OF THE NEW RED BANK NEIGHBOURHOOD

THE CITY RIVER PARK VISION

The creation of a City River Park set around the River Irk will be an essential aspect of the regeneration of Victoria North.

It will form a green heart to the area and unique destination for the city, promoting cycling, walking and healthy living, and helping to improve connections between the city centre and the neighbourhoods to the north.

The 46 hectare City River Park will be made up of a collection of distinct and interconnected parks and green spaces, binding together the seven neighbourhoods of Victoria North. It will become one of the city’s largest green spaces.

Victoria North Landscape Masterplan from the approved SRF.

 
 

The Park at the heart of Red Bank

At Red Bank, the park will create a green, biodiverse spine to the neighbourhood with the River Irk at its heart. Key to achieving this will be enhancing the existing green and natural character of the river corridor and St Catherine’s Wood, extending the character, so that streets and spaces beyond feel connected and part of the whole.

Our vision for the park at Red Bank and St Catherine’s Wood

 
 

The park is one of the closest to the city centre and will be well connected, with activities and commercial opportunities supporting it as an attractive urban natural destination.

The woodland will be enhanced with native plants and the river re-naturalised, encouraging life to return to the Irk.

Activity and play

Activity and use of the space is vital to the success of the Red Bank neighbourhood and will be focussed around getting people to interact with the new park and revitalised River Irk.

Woodland play trails
 

Woodland play trails, slides, swings and other play elements will make the park a fun and exciting environment for young children with a connection to nature.

Other features will respond to and enhance the topography and natural character of the river valley to make the park a distinctive destination. This will include interactive timber artwork, a lookout point, terraced river edge and a kiosk and seating forming a gateway to the park.

Habitats

 

There is a diverse range of habitat types existing in St Catherine’s Wood. These habitat types have informed the development of the proposals for the park. Where possible, the proposals look to provide additional habitats, supporting an increased range of species and improving the site’s biodiversity.

Pedsetrian walkway molded
 

Measures including waters edge planting, wildlife corridors and bridges will all help to retain and improve natural habitats.

Diverse range of habitats
 
 

Bringing life back to the River Irk

The restoration and re-naturalisation of the River Irk is fundamental for habitat creation and the return of life in and around the river.

  • Re-naturalising the river to improve biodiversity and habitats

  • Long-term commitment to keep invasive species like Japanese knotweed under control

  • Introducing trout (along with other species) as a flagship species

  • Flood resilience measures to safeguard new and existing homes

  • Naturalise the edge of the River Irk in this area, with terraces to allow people to get closer to the water

  • Significant ecological and biodiversity improvements with a commitment to minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain