North East Link

The State Government has now commenced works for the North East Link Program (NELP).

For NELP and construction information and updates

 

The project will include construction of the North East Link Tunnels, which will connect the Metropolitan ring road (M80) and Eastern Freeway (M3), as well as:

  • the completion of the Ring Road in Greensborough 
  • an overhaul the Eastern Freeway
  • Melbourne’s first dedicated busway
  • the North East Trail – more than 34km of walking and cycling paths.

 

North East Link is split into five construction packages, with the following three located in Manningham:

  • Central/tunnels
  • South
  • East

 

North East Link map
Map of the North East Link

Related Links

Manningham Council is continuing to work diligently alongside North East Link Program and State Government on all aspects of the project. We are committed to representing community interests with the aim of mitigating impacts, as far practicable, to the community.

Bulleen Park sporting facilities redevelopment

Redevelopment works commenced at Bulleen Park in March 2025, as major works progressed for the North East Link tunnels and connection to the Eastern Freeway.

As part of North East Link, Bulleen Park is being upgraded to transform local sporting facilities and spaces to cater for the needs of the wider community in Melbourne’s north east.

Learn more

The redevelopment will result in a major upgrade to the football (AFL) and cricket facilities in the northern area of Bulleen Park and include:

  • two new replacement pavilions
  • three realigned and upgraded AFL/Cricket sports ovals
  • upgrades to sports field lighting, cricket nets, and fencing
  • planting of new trees and vegetation
  • upgrading playground equipment and park amenities
  • improvements to pedestrian connectivity between the new main carpark and pavilions with 
  • pedestrian lighting
  • reconfigured car parking.

The sporting and recreation facilities will remain open while the works are underway.

The Aeromodellers and Archery fields south of the Bulleen Park access road will remain unchanged.

The project is expected to be completed in 2028.

We hope these sporting upgrades will continue to encourage greater activity levels, community involvement and connection for people of all ages and abilities.

More information and queries

If you have any questions about these upgrades, you can call North East Link Program on 1800 105 105 - 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Write to North East Link Program at community@northeastlink.vic.gov.au 

Visit the Big Build website to find out more about the Bulleen Park Sports Upgrade.

  • Bulleen Park FAQs for sporting clubs, March 2025
    Bulleen Park FAQs for sporting clubs, March 2025
    pdf
    388.49 KB
    UPDATED: 3 March 2025
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Who is managing the redevelopment of Bulleen Park?

The project is being delivered by Development Victoria on behalf of North East Link.

Development Victoria previously managed the construction of Powerful Owl Park in Templestowe, which was delivered in June 2024.

We will continue to work closely with both parties and advocate for our community.

Built Environs will be the head contractor for the redevelopment, working alongside Williams Ross Architects, to complete the design.

User groups and the community will be kept informed of progress and milestones via the Development Victoria website.

You can find the latest updates in the monthly Bulleen Park site bulletin delivered by NELP and DV. 

Getting to Bulleen Park

Throughout the redevelopment, traffic conditions around Bulleen Park are subject to change based on North East Link works. Please ensure that you plan ahead and allow additional time when arriving or leaving Bulleen Park, particularly during peak periods.

Signage will be in place at the entrance to Bulleen Park to assist you with entering and direct you towards the available car parking and sporting fields, which will remain in use.

Entry to Bulleen Park by car is via the Bulleen Park Access Road.

If arriving on foot or by bicycle, there is also a public pedestrian access on the south side of the Bulleen Park Access Road.

A large temporary carpark has been built in the far west of Bulleen Park. The front area of Bulleen Park nearby to Bulleen Road continues to support construction related to the North East Link.

A pedestrian path has been built from the large temporary car cark to the existing pavilion and signage and lighting has been installed along the path and within the temporary car park. Signage helps guide to pedestrian pathways.

What is happening on site

Construction fencing has been placed around some areas in the northern area of Bulleen Park where construction is taking place.

A staged construction will occur with the first oval and pavilion in the east to commence first, followed by the second pavilion and existing ovals.

Sporting activities and public access to walking trails will continue throughout construction outside of any fenced off areas.

Site map showing parking and restricted access until 2026
Allocations

We will continue to manage all allocations for Bulleen Park throughout and at the conclusion of the redevelopment.

Please be aware, while existing operations are continuing, we will not be accepting any additional usage at Bulleen Park until project completion, unless under extenuating circumstances, (i.e., due to ground conditions for clubs with approved allocation). 

Green soccer pitch with white, orange and blue line markings, seating to one side and three sets off lights on tall poles. Native trees surround the pitch.

Powerful Owl Park

Manningham's newest and much anticipated soccer facility, Powerful Owl Park is now completed.

Development Victoria worked in conjunction with North East Link Program (NELP) to deliver the facility to ensure community impacts are minimised by changes at Bulleen Park.

We will manage the facility on behalf of NELP, as part of the overall management of Manningham sporting reserves, and in accordance with required conditions of use.

Learn more

The new sporting facility will include:

  • three soccer fields (two natural turf and one synthetic pitch)
  • a sports pavilion with tiered seating and player change rooms, umpire and first aid amenities
  •  176 car park spaces
  • a nature play area; and,
  • walking and cycling connections to the Yarra River.

We worked diligently alongside North East Link Program and the State Government for a commitment to deliver the facility and to ensure community impacts are minimised by changes at Bulleen Park.

  • Powerful Owl Park FAQs, July 2024
    Powerful Owl Park FAQs, July 2024
    pdf
    174.19 KB
    UPDATED: 5 July 2024
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Park and Ride

Doncaster Park and Ride

Doncaster Park and Ride will be upgraded as part of NELP. We are advocating that the Doncaster Busway (including the Bulleen Park and Ride) be designed to operate and function as part of a network-wide Bus Rapid Transit system. This is beyond the busway corridor that is proposed along the Eastern Freeway between Hoddle Street and Doncaster Road.

We are also advocating for the State Government and NELP to amend the NELP Doncaster Park and Ride reference design to a mixed-use transit-oriented development. 

At this stage the State Government has only committed to a like for like upgrade, which will result in the reconstruction of the Park and Ride to be retained as a carpark only.

Bulleen Park and Ride

Bulleen Park and Ride is now open. The new bus station on the corner of Thompsons Road and Kampman Street in Bulleen is the first part of the Eastern Express Busway – Melbourne's first dedicated busway from Doncaster towards the city. It features:

  • parking for 370 cars 
  • bike storage
  • pick-up and drop-off bays
  • a 5000 square metre green roof.
  • Manningham submission Doncaster Park and Ride UDLP September 2024
    Manningham submission Doncaster Park and Ride UDLP September 2024
    PDF
    21.18 MB
    UPDATED: 23 September 2024
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  • Advocacy Factsheet - Doncaster Park and Ride
    Advocacy Factsheet - Doncaster Park and Ride
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    81.17 KB
    UPDATED: 3 October 2022
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Templestowe Road 

We have successfully negotiated for the Victorian Government to commence detailed planning work and a business case for the duplication and upgrade of Templestowe Road (from Bridge Street to Thompsons Road). This will include shared pedestrian and bike paths along the north side.

  • Advocacy Factsheet - Templestowe Road
    Advocacy Factsheet - Templestowe Road
    pdf
    441.49 KB
    UPDATED: 31 March 2022
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Environment

Tree planting

NELP will plant two replacement trees for every tree removed during construction of the project.

A key objective for Council is to ensure that the loss of tree canopy and vegetation is minimised and mitigated. We're working closely with NELP to identify appropriate locations for early tree planting to occur to allow the new canopy to establish. Some early planting has already occurred across various locations in Manningham, including Katrina Reserve (Doncaster) and Finns Reserve (Lower Templestowe).

Council has planted more than 500 trees since 2022 within various reserves in Manningham on behalf of NELP. We will continue to support the early planting program.

Find out more.

 

River Red Gum, Bulleen

The historic 300 year old River Red Gum on Bridge Street in Bulleen is in close proximity to major North East Link works and must be protected. This tree is a local landmark, pre-dates European settlement and is an important example of our environmental heritage.

We will continue to regularly attend when works are being undertaken near the tree to ensure that appropriate mitigation measures are undertaken.

 

Air quality and noise

We are continuing to advocate to NELP and other State authorities to ensure that all appropriate measures are taken to mitigate the air quality impacts of the project on the health and wellbeing of the local community.

We are also working closely with NELP to ensure that noise associated with construction is mitigated as far as practicable. Any noise emitting works that may exceed noise levels are also planned to occur either during the day or early in the night, as far as practicable.

Affected residents are also notified prior to the works that noise may occur during a time period with a direct NELP contact provided to them to call where concerns are raised.

Related North East Link news

Get in touch about the NELP

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