Construction begins at Harkness Memorial Park

Construction is starting on the first stage of Harkness Memorial Park. This is a major milestone for the project and brings us closer to delivering a beautiful, inclusive memorial park for the growing City of Melton and the wider Melbourne’s west community.

The first stage includes essential infrastructure, such as more than 4,000 final resting places, ceremony and function spaces, and outdoor gathering and areas – all designed to create a welcoming, peaceful place for generations to come. Explore the first stage design to find out more about what will be available from day one.

What’s happening on site

Initial works begin from 1 July 2025 and will include:

• Installing temporary fencing around the first stage construction site

• Conducting groundworks and site levelling around the boundary

• Planting trees along the site edge

Major construction will follow later in the year and continue for approximately 18 months to 2 years. Harkness Memorial Park is expected to open in early 2027.

Aerial image showing the first stage development site. The red dashed lines indicate the construction fencing, and the green show the initial works location.

What to expect during construction

During this period, there will be some additional dust, noise, and localised traffic, especially along Harkness Road. We’ll make every effort to minimise disruption and will keep the community informed about any significant changes or site activity.

Site access

For everyone’s safety, including neighbours, pedestrians, and workers, a temporary fence will be installed around the construction area.

Access to the site will be limited to contractors and the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT). If your property has a back gate opening onto the site, please note that access will be closed during construction.

Drop into a community session

We’d love to meet you and share more about the project. Come along to one of our informal sessions to learn more, ask questions, and share feedback with the project team.

Monday 28 July
5 – 7pm
Arnolds Creek Community Centre
Find out more

Saturday 9 August
12 – 2pm
Residential park at 60 Long Forest Avenue
Find out more

Stay connected

If you have any questions of feedback email, feel free to email us at harkness@gmct.com.au.

Keep up to date with our progress by subscribing for project updates.