THE state government has revealed its plans for a new open space in Highett to replace the large swathes of Sir William Fry Reserve it will bulldoze for Suburban Rail Loop works.
The southern part of Sir William Fry Reserve will be wiped out to allow for construction of the Suburban Rail Loop’s Cheltenham Station. Last week, the state government’s latest designs for the redeveloped precinct were revealed.
The new precinct features a skatepark alongside a multi-sport court, pickleball court, off-leash dog park, seating, pathways, and an events lawn for festivals and markets. Bentleigh MP Nick Staikos said “local feedback has helped shape the designs for this exciting new open space which will benefit our community well before SRL opens in 2035.”
The new space is scheduled to open before construction on the SRL station begins in 2028.
Before the close of consultation in September Kingston mayor Georgina Oxley expressed concern, saying “this is one of the most important green spaces in Highett. Our growing community cannot afford to lose open space on this scale without a like-for-like replacement. Council has long called for offset open space to be provided to the community that addresses the full impact of the project, not dealing with it in a piecemeal approach.” (“Consultation closes for rail loop plans” The News 09/10/2025)
A state government media release read that the new skate park was designed in consultation with skaters, families, and Kingston Council.
SRL East will connect the Frankston line at Cheltenham with each rail line up to Belgrave/Lilydale at Box Hill. The new Cheltenham SRL Station will connect to the existing Southland Station.
The eastern section of the rail loop is scheduled to open in 2035. Suburban Rail Loop minister Harriet Shing said “the Suburban Rail Loop will slash travel times and cut congestion for busy families – while delivering 70,000 more homes within walking distance to jobs, healthcare, and Australia’s largest universities – it’s also delivering well-planned multi-use community spaces just like this to enhance liveability.”
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 17 December 2025