Old Corkman pub site transformed into community park

The iconic Corkman Pub Hotel in 2016, before demolition Now a community park

We now have a community park just 200 metres from Graduate House! The site of the iconic, heritage-listed Corkman Hotel which was demolished in October 2016 has been turned into a park for locals to enjoy. The park will remain until the site is redeveloped. Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the new playground would provide a new green space for the inner-city community. “A new park on the corner of Leicester and Pelham streets in Carlton is open for the community to enjoy, until redevelopment occurs on the former Corkman Hotel site,” the Lord Mayor said. “It is pleasing to see the block transformed into a new inner city green open space with grass and seating for people to exercise, relax and take their pets.” Built in 1857, the Corkman Hotel was one of the oldest pubs in Carlton. Melbourne University law student Henry Lindsay said the nearby pub served as the local haunt for students.“We loved that pub. It was our pub. The cheap beer. The wedges. Its proximity to the law school. The glorious Irish folk band that coalesced on a Thursday evening,” Mr Lindsay wrote on the Change.org petition. Carlton resident Emily Corcoran said that the temporary park would be a great addition for locals with children.“While unfortunately this is only a very temporary addition of public open space, it’s a reminder of how valuable every little patch of green can be to families raising kids in the innercity,” Ms Corcoran said. “With playgrounds currently closed, small spaces like this have the opportunity to provide play experiences in nature for that improve mental health outcomes for kids and adults alike.” “Well-designed public open space can cater to the needs of all age groups, even without the excitement of large bits of playground equipment.” Photo and story source: September 2021, Issue 08, Inner City News