1 of 5 Green Spaces: Exploring Wesley Place's CBD Sanctuary

From 2011 to 2017, Melbourne retained its position as the world’s most liveable city – a sought-after place for communities to live, work and play. But what is it that makes a modern metropolis so liveable?  

Infrastructure, services, safety and cultural factors play a vital role in shaping liveability. But green spaces are also integral. In fact, studies show that health, happiness and productivity are all impacted by access to grass, trees and open outdoor spaces. 

With Melbourne’s diversifying population set to hit 6 million by 2025, parkland city spaces are becoming even more important in the health and wellbeing of residents. 

Thankfully, here at Wesley Place, our evolving precinct will be home to 1 of only 5 urban green spaces in the Melbourne CBD. From cascading outdoor terraces on the upper levels of 130 Lonsdale St, to tree-lined avenues and public parklands, the expanse of greenery will become a major drawcard for productivity and communities in our evolving city. 

From health to heat: How green space improve city communities

The World Health Organisation has done countless studies on the benefits of green space in modern cities - from improving mental health and happiness, to keeping stress levels low and boosting productivity. 

Modern workforces spend a lot of their time sedentary – in fact, only 21% of adults get enough physical activity on a daily basis. With 40-hour work-weeks becoming commonplace, providing an outdoor space to work and walk in is vital for keeping our community active. 

It can be hard to find space and time for reflection and concentration in fast-paced work environments. With the Wesley Church next door, the green sanctuary will provide an opportunity for congregations and visitors alike to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne.

Furthermore, nature provides passive environmental benefits – trees produce oxygen, and help to filter pollutants out of the air. The flora and fauna of green spaces also helps to cool the temperature of thee surrounding environment, meaning that the Wesley Place precinct will be a comfortable city oasis during the warmer months.

Not just a park: Greening the future of work 

We are living and working in a connected world. So, beyond the grass and trees, Wesley Place’s green spaces will be fitted with public WiFi, enabling outdoor working areas that cater to the modern workforce and the tech-savvy public.  

Having a third workspace in this landscaped parkland will help keep the work day interesting. Research shows that greenery in offices improves productivity by up to 15%, increases cognition by 26%, decreases absenteeism by 30% and increases sleep quality by 6%.

“Our green cities of the future need to be designed to benefit [residents] equitably. We need to move beyond a reliance on backyards and parks that were designed according to 19th-century principles… Cities need green spaces that are well designed, creatively delivered [and] accessible to all.” 

We look forward to wandering amongst the Wesley Place trees, and achieving better work in our cool and connected natural oasis.