The changing role of cemeteries
The concept of the public cemetery emerged in the nineteenth century. The modern memorial park carries on many of its traditional uses.
But population growth, urbanisation and climate change mean future public open spaces must meet many needs. This includes cemeteries.
With this in mind, the Harkness memorial park masterplan will integrate the site into community life. It will unlock vast green spaces and deliver social, health and environmental benefits.
Wide-ranging consultation will inform all stages of the new park’s design, as it has already done with the masterplan.
Delivering the memorial park in stages means it can adapt for future generations and a changing climate.
The 128-hectare park will offer diverse, sustainable, traditional and emerging burial, memorial and cremation options. It will also support community, environmental, cultural and commercial activities, while maintaining its core purpose as a respectful, peaceful sanctuary.
This approach will also create jobs for Melbourne’s west.