landscape architecture

project: montrose linear garden

client: shire of yarra ranges

description of project

hansen was engaged by the Shire of Yarra Ranges to review an existing concept plan and prepare design development and documentation drawings to allow for the development of the Montrose Linear Garden.

The linear garden concept was developed in consultation between the Shire and the Montrose community, and was a key recommendation of the Montrose Township Plan, which was prepared in 2006.

A central feature of the garden is the existing Montrose War Memorial, which is retained and provided with a new paved forecourt setting, complete with raised garden beds, seating, feature lighting and relocated flagpoles for ceremonial use.

The garden design also provides for a comprehensive reconfiguration of the park entry and an associated bus stop, providing disabled access and improved shelter for commuters. A series of similarly-styled shelter structures are provided at key locations throughout the garden. Along with new concrete pathways, these shelter structures provide a linked network of open space features, and hence emphasise the ‘linear’ nature of the garden.

The design brief also required the re-use of historic locally-made ‘Montrose’ bricks. Rather than risk damage to the bricks by using them as a paving material, the design utilises the bricks as a feature banding pattern in the numerous brick retaining walls which define the central space.

The design of the Montrose Linear Garden provides a new gathering space to the town centre which reflects and reinforces the unique character of the Montrose Township. It re-establishes the prominence of the War Memorial, and celebrates the town’s history through the reinterpretation of traditional local materials in a contemporary setting.

montrose linear garden