Harkness Memorial Park
Harkness Memorial Park
Client:
The Greater Metropolitan Cemetery Trust (GMCT)
Location:
Melton, Victoria
Scale:
128 hectare site (developed in stages)
Status:
Stage 1A under construction
Contact Person:
Sophie Cleland
Harkness Memorial Park aims to change public perceptions of how a cemetery should look, feel and function in our communities.
Reimagined through a contemporary, environmentally sustainable lens, our holistic approach revolves around collaboration with First Nations Peoples and connections to Country.
The city’s largest public cemetery in over 100 years, Harkness is designed to be a peaceful sanctuary for gathering, grieving and healing.
A culturally sensitive public place
The Memorial Park site is adjacent to Gilgai Woodlands Nature Conservation Reserve in Melton, part of Melbourne’s fast-growing western suburbs.
Our master plan and schematic design embrace Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung culture, fostering a respectful, ongoing relationship with the Traditional Owners of the land.
By exchanging knowledge and strengthening connections, we aim to expand cultural awareness and understanding.
Architecture in sync with its setting
The architecture responds to the surrounding community and landscape, as well as the rituals and cultural practices of celebrating life and death.
The arrival approach is punctuated by a landscape that guides customers to the Kingfisher Centre, an administration and collections pavilion with light-filled spaces and expansive views. Integrated operations and service areas for cemetery staff support a connected workplace culture.
A key destination on the site, the Ceremonial & Community Building features an undulating profile inspired by the spirit of the ancestral wedge-tailed eagle, Bunjil the creator, in flight.
Serving as a wayfinding device, this landmark building houses two separate but linked pavilions seamlessly connected to the natural setting.
Diverse, inclusive open space for every generation
Along with creating a sanctuary for grieving, our consortium has laid the foundations for an innovative, multi-use public space that is inviting and uplifting, with new recreation areas and parklands for the entire community to use.
This approach to the site addresses challenges associated with climate change, population density, and the increasing demand for more diverse and inclusive public open space.
Harkness represents a new kind of cemetery with the potential to expand our horizons and enrich our experiences for generations to come.
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Client:
The Greater Metropolitan Cemetery Trust (GMCT)
Location:
Melton, Victoria
Scale:
128 hectare site (developed in stages)
Status:
Stage 1A under construction
Contact Person:
Sophie Cleland
Key People
Chris Jones
Associate
Melbourne
Registered Architect VIC (15497)
