Yalukit William Nature Reserve Gateway Development
Yalukit William Nature Reserve Gateway Development
Client
Bayside City Council
Location
Glen Huntly VIC
Architect
Canvas
Landscape Architect
Realm Landscape Architects
Project Budget
$10 million
Traditional Custodians
Bunurong
A cultural landmark and ecological connector at the edge of urban Melbourne redefines community engagement through nature, the Yalukit Willam Gateway Building anchors a landmark transformation of the Elsternwick Park golf course into a biodiverse reserve. Spanning the gateway to the $22 million Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve, the landmark building defines the transition from city edge to ecological sanctuary.
Designed for engagement, the $10 million Gateway Building and entry precinct frame visitor arrival and cultural learning. Incorporating café, exhibition and learning spaces, the precinct celebrates the ecology and cultural history of the bayside corridor while extending opportunities for learning and long-term community engagement. Informed by benchmarking, Maytrix reviewed the early concepts to shape the scope and design of the café, embedding flexibility and sustainability into planning.
Design, activation and operational opportunities were assessed to balance visitor experience, precinct amenity and long-term sustainability. More than a venue, the café is designed as a destination, community and precinct focal point for the 14-hectare wetland reserve — a social and cultural anchor that extends the public value of the Nature Reserve.
Commercial strategy, feasibility and operational scoping were embedded from early planning to strengthen precinct outcomes and ensure long-term value from the café. The strategy critically reviewed current plans, identifying required functional changes and enhancements to optimise layout, siting and service integration. Fitout and contracting and procurement models were evaluated to maximise flexibility, sustainability and commercial return.
The café and community precinct anchor the 14-hectare wildlife reserve — an accessible, biodiverse refuge and regional drawcard. Our approach to this project reflects a wider commitment to connected, place-based precincts. Drawing on extensive experience in commercial planning, design and activation for parklands and public gardens, the strategy supports long-term resilience and aligns with Council’s broader environmental, cultural and community goals.
Yalukit William Nature Reserve Gateway Development
Image - Canvas Projects
“From an under-utilised golf course to large-scale restored biodiversity and habitat sanctuary, right in the heart of Melbourne. The community-driven rewilding and transformation of the former Elsternwick golf course in North Brighton into the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve features expansive restored wetlands, waterways and reintroduction of locally extinct plant species. Led by Bayside Council and supported by Federal funding, it has been planned and restored to maximise the benefit to local indigenous birds and other species. This ambitious project has only been made possible through the collaboration and enthusiasm of the Bayside community and project team.”
Yalukit William Nature Reserve Gateway Development
Image - Canvas Projects
Yalukit William Nature Reserve Gateway Development
Image - Canvas Projects
Yalukit William Nature Reserve Gateway Development
Image - Canvas Projects
“The opportunity to return open space to our community and create a sustainable and environmentally focused reserve near the CBD is rare”
This once-in-a-generation project is visionary in scope and scale. Delivered with significant funding support from the Australian Federal Government, the site is transformed from a recreational expanse into a thriving wetland reserve abundant with diverse flora and active bird and wildlife populations, it seeks to repair ecologies through the establishment of robust and thriving habitat, invoke a Caring for Country philosophy in visitors to inspire stewardship of both the Reserve and of our wider environment for future generations.
Awards
- 2024 LGPro Awards for Excellence Sustainability Initiative - Chain of Ponds
