Basq Essendon Fields has officially opened at 305 Wirraway Road to an enormous response, offering an elevated dining destination led by partners Tijen and Chef Jaysen. A feature new to the site is an impressive outdoor entertainment space to welcome guests – first for breakfast or lunch, and later next month for evening delights.

Coming together in just three weeks, the landscaping installation was undertaken by Love It Landscaping and supported by Essendon Fields. As with all landscaping at Essendon Fields, considerable care was made to the sustainable nature of the design as well as the choices for planting.

Ashley Young, Facilities Manager at Essendon Fields, explains that plants that are drought tolerant and low maintenance were chosen to ensure efficient water use.

“We chose Ficus hedging from our onsite tree farm for this project, to ensure that the new trees seamlessly blended into the established landscaping and the surroundings,” said Ms Young.

“A number of well-established magnolias, which are not only evergreen but will likely flower next winter and spring, were also planted. The purple of the underside of the leaves will also complement the building.”

Essendon Fields advanced tree nursery houses up to 1,500 units at any one time. The tree nursery has become a valued contributor to the precincts goal to plant 15,000 trees, with trees grown in 45 litre root control planting bags ahead of excavation and planting across the precinct.

Mat Murname, Construction Manager at Love It Landscaping, said a significant focus of the landscaping works was to highlight the outdoor entertaining terrace, which is part of the new Basq restaurant.

“We endeavoured to make a large outdoor entertaining space that was inclusive and inviting to all people visiting Essendon Fields, which of course meant that it needed to include a DDA compliant ramp. We used contrasting materials that would create landscaping flair and give interest to the space,’’ Mat said.

The landscapers used Ekodeck for decking on the outdoor area as a more sustainable alternative to traditional timber. The product is naturally resistant to weather conditions and should not require painting or sealing. It also doesn’t rot, decay, and is termite resistant without any additional treatments.

“This is the first time our team has worked at Essendon Fields and they have thoroughly enjoyed it, and although we were working to a tight deadline, which meant we were working at a fast pace, we’re so pleased with the outcome. We think Basq will become our new Friday meeting venue for lunch or coffee!’’ Mat said.

Basq’s Tijen said she has been delighted by the response to the restaurant’s opening at Essendon Fields.

“Basq is inspired by the Napa Valley’s rolling hills and verdant vineyards. We wanted the inside to flow into an inviting outdoor environment, where you can sit and forget about time for a while,” said Tijen.

Basq is open now for breakfast and lunch at 305 Wirraway Road, Essendon Fields. To find out when Basq will open for dinner, follow the venue on Instagram and Facebook!