Glebe Park Master Plan Report

Glebe Park is one of the most central, recognisable and well-used public parks in Canberra. It has heritage significance and is listed on the National Estate Register. Planning for the future of the Park is a management challenge because it is popular and there are diverse expectations about its role and functions. The Park requires a standard of management consistent with its role as the premier Town Park, its Heritage status and intensity of use.

The landscape and infrastructure in Glebe Park is declining and some character fragmentation has begun. Forward planning is necessary to recover and maintain its condition, especially as the City grows, to ensure that the Park and its resources continue to provide a quality experience for visitors now and into the future.

This Master Plan is intended to be a working document that aims to protect and enhance the unique character of Glebe Park within the broader planning framework of Canberra. Its purpose is to guide ongoing management and maintenance of the Park infrastructure and landscape. The Plan takes into account relevant environmental and development controls, the purpose of the Park, public expectations, cultural significance and maintenance requirements. Relevant information and recommendations from an earlier draft management plan1 are incorporated.

Assessments of the Park in its physical, human, planning, management and legislative context were made, and an asset inventory was undertaken in preparation for this Plan. The current management and maintenance of the Park was reviewed. Stakeholders were consulted and Park visitation and current uses were also considered. The following are analysed in relation to future directions for Glebe Park and recommendations are made for each issue:

• Access and circulation
• Spaces and their functions
• Services and utilities
• Facilities and amenities 
• Vegetation
• Information
• Artwork and commemorative features
• Safety and security
• Design, materials and finishes

An operations plan, consistent with the Heritage values of Glebe Park, will be prepared to implement the recommendations.

• Glebe Park Master Plan Report—June 2008 ( PDF 3.2Mb)