The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) has broken ground on Harkness Memorial Park in Melton, 50 kilometres north-west of Melbourne’s CBD. According to a release from GMCT, the project is the largest cemetery to be developed in Victoria in over 100 years.
The project has been developed by a consortium, with Aspect Studios as primary design consultant, Architectus as architect and WSP leading engineering and services. A masterplan for the 128-hectare site was developed by Architectus, Aurecon, McGregor Coxall and Greenshoot Consulting in 2023 after they won an international design competition for the project in 2021.
Chair of GMCT Michael Doery reflected, “It’s the realisation of a vision that has been many years in the making. This moment represents the foundation of something much bigger.”
“This is not a one-off project or infrastructure build, it’s a legacy in the making,” he said. “We’re proud to be creating this place not just for the community—but with the community.”
Senior associate at Aspect Studios Erin Taal said that the firm’s “design vision is to create a sanctuary for all communities, cultures and faiths, but also one that is firmly grounded in the local landscape of Melton and the western volcanic plains and guided by the Wurundjeri Elders.”
According to the Harkness Memorial Park website, the first stage of the project will lay the foundation for the park by establishing key infrastructure and enhancing the landscape, primarily along the site’s southern boundary.
Construction will begin with the planting of almost 2,000 trees, which the GMCT hopes will “regenerate the land, increase biodiversity and tree canopy, and integrate the local environment throughout the design.”
With regard to the architectural form, Architectus principal Sophie Cleland noted that the practice “has been working closely with GMCT to realise their vision for the Harkness Memorial Park.”
“Our work will respectfully acknowledge the significant stories of place and history whilst providing a reaffirming environment, enhancing memories and [supporting] the diverse community of the Western Plains,” Cleland said.
Construction of the cemetery’s first stage includes the Architectus-designed reception building, which houses public and private spaces for ceremony and community. According to Cleland, the roof line of the building is designed to punctuate the skyline while reflecting the internal activities beneath.
Cleland noted, “We have approached the design of the architecture to enhance the sense of place. A long low facade slips across the plains in an elongated brick which has a deep earthy tone.”
From this facade, an entry canopy projects to mark the point of entry and wraps around the building to provide a covered walkway to the ceremony garden.
The Harkness Memorial Park website notes that the masterplan for the project includes a large destination building with an approximate 300-person capacity, inclusive facilities, a cafe, florist, sales office, cremation services, and additional outdoor event and ceremony spaces.
In total, the site will accommodate 140,000 final resting places across the reimagined cemetery parkland, which is envisioned as “an experience beyond tradition.”
Mayor of Melton City Council Steve Abboushi commented, “With our current cemetery almost at capacity, it is heartening to see this development progressing, and that our community will have a lovely space locally where they can remember their loved ones for many years to come.”
Major construction is set to start later this year, with the first stage of Harkness Memorial Park expected to open in early 2027.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
