$60m project to turn Cato Square into pride of Prahran
A $60 MILLION park-and-plaza project is set to transform Cato Square in Prahran in a development which will almost rival Federation Square in size.
A $60 MILLION park-and-plaza project is set to transform an iconic inner-city shopping precinct.
At more than 9000sq m, Cato Square in Prahran will almost rival Federation Square in size. It will have nine zones, including a central square with a water feature, garden, forest and lawns.
The City of Stonnington will today announce construction of the project on a site near the corner of Chapel St and Commercial Rd.
It is currently a carpark, but the development will include parking for 500 vehicles in a new two-level underground centre.
Stonnington mayor Jami Klisaris said it would be the municipality’s biggest project.
“Cato Square will become an iconic cultural and recreational destination for residents, traders, shoppers and visitors to Stonnington, with spaces for quiet contemplation or vibrant community events,” she said.
Cr Klisaris said the plaza designed by Lyons Architects would be highly energy-efficient and have a focus on security.
“Cato Square has been created with public safety in mind, including open spaces designed to deter anti-social behaviour,” she said.
Due for completion in 2019, the project will occupy the site bounded by Cato, Izett, Wattle and Chatham streets.
Stonnington chief executive Warren Roberts said the $60 million cost would be funded by a mix of open-space contributions, council funds and borrowings.
“The project is accommodated within the state government rate cap,” he said.
Stonnington has the second-lowest amount of open space per capita in Victoria, while its population is expected to rise by 30,000 over the next 15 years.
The council will conduct a seven-week community consultation on the Cato Square plan, with an information hub to open on Izett St opposite the carpark. It will provide project updates, plans and information for traders residents and visitors.
