Council is investigating opportunities to revitalise the civic heart of Arana Hills by bringing The Hills District Community Place to Leslie Patrick Park. There are many ideas for what this multi-functional space could be. You may have heard talk of a variety of complementary civic uses, such as landscaped areas, connecting pathways, a library, sports facilities, meeting rooms, a café, plazas, etc. But Council has not yet settled on exactly what it will be.
We’re in the early planning phase and getting this planning right is important. Council is working out the best way forward by looking at community input gathered in 2021 and recent results from the Moreton Says surveys, as well as carrying out other planning investigations.
We are aiming to enhance the existing vibrant, green and connected character of Leslie Patrick Park, but it will take time for well-designed and sustainable changes to be delivered.
Planning our places
Getting the planning and design of The Hills District Community Place right relies on:
- locating the right elements in the right place to tie together the built structures and landscaped spaces, and provide connections to other parts of Leslie Patrick Park and the surrounding area
- responding to current and future community needs, and respecting the values of our communities
- considering the gaps and priorities in Council’s existing network of facilities across the region
- designing facilities that are right-sized, multi-functional, flexible and fit-for-purpose so they represent good investments of ratepayers’ money
- planning the long-range vision for the whole of Leslie Patrick Park so any future projects can complement and support community needs.
What has happened so far?
In 2019, Council purchased 303 Dawson Parade, Arana Hills. This land being adjacent to the existing Leslie Patrick Park, created opportunities to potentially improve the community facilities and activities provided in this area.
In late 2021, Council engaged with community to:
- build an early picture of community insights to inform the planning
- strengthen relationships with current and potential future user groups so further meaningful consultation could be undertaken as the project progresses.
Please read the Community Engagement Summary Report to learn more about this engagement.
In September 2022, Council secured $200,000 in funding from the State Government through the 2022-24 Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP). This funding is to undertake further planning for potential future facilities that may be delivered at the site.
What is happening next?
We are considering how Leslie Patrick Park serves The Hills District now and what role it could play in supporting future community needs.
As part of the current planning investigations for The Hills District Community Place we are:
- looking at the current open space provision and park infrastructure
- reviewing existing community facilities to confirm any gaps and priorities across our network
- completing condition assessments on existing community buildings
- undertaking a transport impact assessment
- conducting options analysis for different facilities on the site.
If the planning investigations find new buildings are needed, the next steps for any new potential building may include:
- preparing a business case
- refining the functional brief
- developing concept designs
- identifying and securing funding
- detailed design
- construction.
Stay informed
As the project progresses we will continue to update the community.
If you want to stay informed and receive updates about the project, please register using the +Follow button at the top of the page.
