Muston Park Wisteria Walk improvement work

In order to ensure the continued safety and longevity of the structure, Council had commissioned a structural engineer to evaluate the condition of Wisteria Walk arbour structure. The resulting structural report indicated that the timber elements of the arbour have significantly deteriorated over time and have reached the end of its life expectancy.

As a result, in order to prevent potential risks to public safety, it is necessary to renew the structure. This renewal project will not only address these safety concerns but will also improve the overall walkway.

Included within the scope of this project are the following improvements:

• Light pruning of the Wisteria canopy
• Deadwooding and pruning of nearby trees
• Replacement of the existing timber arbour structure
• Improvements to walkway drainage
• Upgrades to walkway paving
• New staircases to improve access to the South Lawn
• Installation of new seating

The (less severe) pruning is required to facilitate the work as it would be difficult to hold off the Wisteria together during the replacement of the timber arbour structure and to prevent any damage. A horticulturist will oversee the work to ensure its preservation as much as possible.

The pruning and deadwooding of certain trees are necessary to reduce the weight on the arbour structure and to ensure the Wisteria has enough room to thrive. Overhanging tree branches will be trimmed back to provide a 1-meter clearance above the arbour. Additionally, trees near the southern park area, close to the Wisteria Walk and playground, will be deadwooded for safety reasons.

The contractor will carry out the work in stages, with the immediate area around the Wisteria being cordoned off for safety. Materials stored on site will be securely fenced off. During pruning activities, cones will mark the work zone, and pedestrian movement will be safely guided. Vehicle movement on-site will be escorted by the contractor’s team to ensure safety for all visitors.