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. 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. We are considering how Leslie Patrick Park, and the facilities within it, serve The Hills District now and what role it could play in supporting future community needs.

We want 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.

To determine the best way forward we are looking at community input gathered in 2021 and recent results from Moreton Says surveys, as well as carrying out other planning investigations.

Getting the planning and design of The Hills District Community Place right relies on:

• locating the right elements in the right place to connect the built structures and landscaping to each other and the surrounding area
• responding to current and future community needs
• 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.

We are reimagining how we create modern, inclusive spaces for our community using the best available information.

Right now we are conducting planning investigations. The outcomes of these investigations will help us make evidenced-based decisions that maximise community benefits while responsibly investing ratepayers’ money.

These investigations are:

• considering current open space provision and park infrastructure
• reviewing existing community facilities to confirm gaps and priorities across our network
• assessing the condition of existing community buildings
• analysing options for different facilities on the site
• assessing transport and traffic impacts.

As part of the investigations, we have invited industry feedback. This market sounding is open until 8 May 2025. It will build on the 2021 community engagement and aims to understand potential delivery models, investment appetite and any constraints that may impact feasibility.

In 2019, Council purchased 303 Dawson Parade, Arana Hills adjacent to the existing Leslie Patrick Park. This 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.

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 has enabled the planning investigations that are currently underway.

What is happening next?

We will keep progressing innovative approaches to deliver modern, inclusive spaces for our community at this site.

If the investigations confirm new buildings are needed and feasible, the next steps for any new potential building may include:

• preparing a business case and functional brief
• developing concept designs
• identifying and securing funding
• detailed design
• construction.

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.