Concept Design Open for Feedback

Background

The Mansfield Station Precinct Masterplan, adopted in October 2023, identified the development of a Heritage Museum and associated landscaping works across the Station Precinct, including the museum and surrounding areas. This initiative supports the broader vision for the precinct as a connected, accessible and activated heritage destination for the community.

The Station Precinct Museum Landscaping concept design has been developed following consultation with Station Precinct stakeholders. The design aims to enhance connectivity, accessibility and placemaking across the precinct.

This project aims to deliver a vibrant outdoor precinct that reflects the themes of the Museum, improves accessibility for all users, and creates flexible spaces suitable for events and community gatherings. Through thoughtful landscape design, the project will provide improved pedestrian connections, inclusive pathways, seating and shade, wayfinding, interpretive elements, and enhanced green spaces. These improvements will foster social interaction, support cultural expression, encourage visitation, and create an attractive, functional and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.

What’s Proposed in the Concept Design?

The design aims to create a connected, accessible and culturally rich landscape that strengthens the Museum experience. Key features include:

Amphitheatre Space: A landscaped amphitheatre within the Museum forecourt to support events, performances and community gatherings.

Elevated Stage: A stage at the station platform to encourage activation, gatherings and enjoying the view.

Improved Accessibility: Accessible pathways and ramps designed to support universal access across the precinct.

Enhanced Connectivity: Clear pedestrian links connecting the Kitchen Street car park, Museum, Station Platform, Goods Shed and Gadhaba Gathering Place.

Interpretive Elements: Bogong moth interpretive elements and trails, along with geological timescale markers incorporated into paving treatments, illustrating periods from 10 years through to 4.5 billion years.

Cultural Features: A Bundjil sculpture and interpretive landscaping elements that strengthen the cultural narrative of the precinct.

Seating and Gathering Areas: Mudrock seating, general seating and table areas to encourage relaxation and social connection.

The landscaping design reinforces the educational and interpretive value of the Museum while creating welcoming spaces for events, learning and everyday use.

Intent to use

As part of the public exhibition of the Landscape Plan, Council wishes to advise of its intention to include two items associated with the Kelly/Kennedy story. These items are cuttings from Sergeant Michael Kennedy’s gravesite and the historically documented “Kelly target tree,” one of the few surviving relics connected to the Stringybark Creek events.

Although these items are not shown on the concept landscape plan drawings, Council intends to incorporate them sensitively within the detailed design. This may include the use of small interpretive signs or brochures to provide historical context.

How to Have Your Say

We want to hear what you think about the concept design. Do the proposed features meet your expectations? Is anything missing? How can we further enhance connectivity and activation within the Museum precinct?

You can view the concept plans in the documents section on this page and provide your feedback by completing our short online survey.

Feedback for this consultation closes on 13 March 2026.