Numbers Behind Albert Park Master Plan Show $3.25 Million in Allocated Upgrades

Parks Victoria released the final Albert Park Master Plan with attached state funding figures that total $3.25 million for lake wall walk improvements, disability access lifts, new lighting and playground upgrades plus a separate $275,000 line for Oval No. 11 lighting.

The release arrives alongside the 2025-26 Victorian Budget, which lists those precise amounts and adds $2.63 million for planning an expansion of South Melbourne Primary School and $3.5 million for new CCTV cameras in the surrounding area. City of Port Phillip records show the reserve supplies nearly 60 percent of the municipality's public open space, giving the spending decisions direct impact on daily use by residents in the Albert Park ward.

Budget line items tied to specific works

The $3.25 million package breaks down to lake wall walk repairs, lifts and walkways for disabled access, fitness trail upgrades, new lighting and playground improvements, according to the Parks Victoria document. A further $275,000 targets lighting at Oval No. 11, home ground of the South Melbourne Football Club. Council records list an additional $970,000 committed by the City of Port Phillip for the new reserve at Spad Street, backed by state and federal grants.

Separate budget entries cover a pit building upgrade at the Formula 1 site that will deliver seven indoor sport courts and 14 garages, with demolition scheduled after the 2026 race and completion set for the 2028 Grand Prix. The 25-year Master Plan also lists a new wetland habitat and cycling and walking path improvements without assigning dollar figures to those elements.

Next steps for plan delivery

Implementation will follow the staged works already funded in the current budget cycle. Residents seeking updates on timing for individual projects can check the Parks Victoria project page or City of Port Phillip ward notices for Albert Park.