The name is an embarrassment really. This park on the corner of William and Bourke Street in Melbourne was obviously supposed to be something to be proud of, despite it's small size.
Opened in 1994, the first time I really noticed it was a few years back. It was overgrown but still kept in OK shape. Office workers used it to sit and have lunch and have a read. A few old people feed birds there.
About a year ago it seemed to "close" and at the end of this year it was cordoned off. I'm not sure if that means there are plans for it's future, or just to prevent the public hurting themselves...
This park marks the beginning of a long line of empty office buildings in Melbourne. Walking north up William Street, on the western side are three fairly large (tall) office buildings that all stand empty. These buildings are collectively known as "Grand Central".
Parts of the car park under the building (and under the park) are still open.
A Google search finds an old The Age article that indicates a "Boutique Hotel" was planned for the site to be completed "in time for the Commonwealth Games in 2006". They better get a move on, they only have a couple of months. Obviously this plan has been abandoned.
The notorious site, known as Grand Central, covers half a city block, includes three vacant office buildings, a car park and a much-mocked open space, the "Grand Central Gardens".It has been derelict since the property slump of the early 1990s derailed an $800 million boom-time plan by former owner Lend Lease.
This is the best I could find on the current plans for the site...
From CBUS (Construction and Building Superannuation):
Grand Central is a prominent, vacant, CBD site situated on the corners of William and Bourke Streets, Melbourne. It is envisaged that it will be the site of a significant property development. Currently, a number of concepts for the development are being prepared and considered.
Update: I've added two Autostitch pano's from the south west corner or William and Bourke looking North over Grand Central Garden, and another from the North West corner of William and Little Bourke looking at one of the Grand Central buildings. Weird warping effects in this due to rush job. Deal.