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Report to the Future Melbourne Committee Agenda item 6.4
Draft Greenline Implementation Plan 4 May 2021
Presenter: Roger Teale, General Manager Infrastructure and Design
Purpose and background
1. The purpose of this report is to seek Future Melbourne Committee endorsement of the Draft Greenline Implementation Plan (attachment 2) for further targeted stakeholder and authority engagement.
2. The Greenline Implementation Plan area extends east-west along Northbank from Birrarung Marr to the western end of the Victoria Harbour precinct in Melbourne Docklands.
3. The City of Melbourne endorsed the Yarra River Birrarung Strategy in December 2019, after extensive community and stakeholder consultation. The Yarra River Birrarung Strategy connects with the Yarra Strategic Plan, and outlines an overall framework to guide the long term future of the Yarra River Birrarung within the City of Melbourne, and in turn informs the Draft Greenline Implementation Plan.
4. The Draft Greenline Implementation Plan provides for implementation of actions from a number of Council strategies, including but not limited to the Reconciliation Action Plan, Transport Strategy 2030, Municipal Integrated Water Management Plan, Urban Forest Strategy, and Open Space Strategy.
Key issues
5. The Draft Greenline Implementation Plan proposes a transformational vision for the north bank of the Yarra River Birrarung. Through adaptive reuse and repurposing of existing and heritage infrastructure, along with contemporary creative proposals, the aim of the Implementation Plan is to provide a series of connected green spaces, and reinvigorated, lively riverfront precincts.
6. The Draft Greenline Implementation Plan adopts a precinct based approach to the implementation of improvements along Northbank, and is comprised of a series of integrated component projects capable of adaptation and staged delivery.
7. The Draft Greenline Implementation Plan is structured around four key principles; Environment, Culture, Place, and Connection. These guiding principles provide an overarching vision for improvements to Northbank. The Greenline is divided into five precincts, Birranrung Marr, Yarro Yarro, River Park, Maritime and Salt Water Wharf, with each precinct identifying existing issues and challenges, opportunities for improvement, and key next steps to facilitate these improvements.
8. Proposed stakeholder engagement will build on the extensive consultation undertaken for Yarra River Birrarung. The Implementation Plan will be made publicly available for information with further targeted engagement to follow with Traditional Custodians, Federal and State Government, statutory approval authorities, land owning agencies and property owners and developers prior to finalisation.
9. A project budget is in preparation to be supported by further detailed cost plan analysis of individual precincts, projects and initiatives. When complete the budget will both cap Council expenditure and outline potential financial and in-kind contributions from private and government partners. The feasibility of projects will be tested and business cases developed for endorsement prior to implementation.
10. Costs associated with the preparation of the Draft Greenline Implementation Plan are accounted for in 2020-21 and 2021-22 financial year budgets.
Recommendation from management
11. That the Future Melbourne Committee:
11.1. Endorses the Draft Greenline Implementation Plan (refer to Attachment 2 of the report from management) and commencement of targeted stakeholder engagement.
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11.2. Authorises the General Manager Infrastructure and Design to make any further minor editorial changes to the Draft Greenline Implementation Plan prior to publication.
11.3. Authorises the General Manager Infrastructure and Design to undertake detailed planning and programing of precincts Birranrung Marr, Yarro Yarro, River Park, and Maritime noting that Salt Water Wharf precinct will require further stakeholder engagement with Development Victoria in relation to future development timings.
Attachments: 1. Supporting Attachment (Page 3 of 84) 2. Draft Greenline Implementation Plan (Page 5 of 84) 2 Page 3 of 84 Attachment 1 Agenda item 6.4 Future Melbourne Committee 4 May 2021 Supporting Attachment
Legal
1. No direct legal issues arise from the recommendation from management, however, it is noted that the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017 has application to the Yarra River, Birrarung and land in the vicinity of the river.
Finance
2. The cost for preparing the Draft Greenline Implementation Plan is provided for in the existing 2020–21 and ongoing works in the 2021-22 financial year budgets. 3. Implementation of projects will require future identification and allocation of Capital Works budget, along with identification of additional budget sources, including potential partnership agreements with the Victorian Government, agencies, and other landowners and developers.
Conflict of interest
4. No member of Council staff, or other person engaged under a contract, involved in advising on or preparing this report has declared a material or general conflict of interest in relation to the matter of the report.
Health and Safety
5. Projects identified in the Implementation Plan have the potential to directly benefit the health and safety of the wider community, and aim to provide more open space, better connections between open spaces along the north bank, a better connection to the Yarra River Birrarung, and to improve safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Universal access and resilience is another key direction ensuring a better waterfront experience for all ages and abilities.
Stakeholder consultation
6. Engagement with authorities and agencies has commenced and will be ongoing throughout the development of the final Greenline Implementation Plan. To date, engagement has commenced with the Department of Transport, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, and VicTrack. 7. Consultation with three Traditional Custodian groups, the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Boon Wurrung Foundation, and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, has commenced, and will be ongoing throughout the development of the final Greenline Implementation Plan. 8. The Greenline Implementation Plan builds on extensive consultation which has been undertaken on a number of strategies and projects, most recently the Yarra River Birrarung Strategy, which sought detailed input from the community, stakeholders, and authorities.
Relation to Council policy
9. The following Council plans and policies are relevant 10.1. Council Plan 2017–21 Goal 1 – A city that cares for its environment, specifically; ‘Protection and enhancement of habitat to support greater biodiversity in a changing climate’ and ‘Nature-based climate adaptation and integrated water management solutions’.
10.2. Council Plan 2017–21 Goal 6 – A connected city, specifically; ‘An expanded pedestrian network, including wider footpaths to make the city more walkable and accessible.’ and ‘Safer on-and-off- street routes for cyclists to support Melbourne as a cycling city’.
10.3. Council Plan 2017–21 Goal 8 – A city planning for growth, specifically; ‘Champions design in buildings, streets and public spaces, as the basis of a healthy, safe and people-friendly environment’.
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10.4. Council Plan 2017–21 Goal 9 – A city with an Aboriginal focus, specifically; ‘Protection, recognition and promotion of Aboriginal culture, heritage and place’.
10.5. The Yarra River Birrarung Strategy, which aims to establish the city section of the Yarra River Birrarung as a world class urban riverfront celebrating Aboriginal culture, maritime heritage, environmental quality and local character.
10.6. Melbourne Planning Scheme’s Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS), specifically clause 21.06-1 Urban Design:
10.6.1. Objective 5: To increase the vitality, amenity, comfort, safety and distinctive City experience of the public realm.
10.6.2. Objective 6: To improve public realm permeability, legibility and flexibility.
10.6.3. Objective 7: To create a safe and comfortable public realm.
Environmental sustainability
10. The projects implemented through the Greenline Implementation Plan have the potential to have positive environmental effects by promoting the inclusion of additional landscape along the riverfront, improving water quality and improving the ecological function of the river. These outcomes align with Council’s existing strategies including Nature in the City, Open Space, and Total Watermark and also Council’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
2 Page 5 of 84 Attachment 2 Agenda item 6.4 Future Melbourne Committee GREENLINE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 4 May 2021 A VISION FOR THE NORTHBANK Page 6 of 84
Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We are committed to our reconciliation journey, because at its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples, for the benefit of all Victorians. melbourne.vic.gov.au Page 7 of 84 CONTENTS
Forward 3
Executive summary 4
Vision 6
Introduction 8
Implementation Plan snapshot 11
Policy context 12
Yarra River Birrarung Strategy Actions Summary 14
Historic context 18
Evolution of the Northbank 22
Community and stakeholder engagement 24
Existing context 26
Future context 26
What we value 27
What we want to achieve 28
Exemplar river transformations 30
Delivering on City of Melbourne strategies 34
Themes and Principles 50
Environment 52
Culture 54
Place 56
Connection 58
Implementation Plan
Birrarung Marr Precinct 62
Yarro Yarro Precinct 64
River Park Precinct 66
Salt Water/Wharf Precinct 68
Maritime Precinct 70
Themes and Principles summary 72
Implementation summary 73
Implementation schedule 76
Next steps 78
To find out how you can participate in the decision-making process for City of Melbourne’s current and future initiatives, visit melbourne.vic.gov.au/participate Page 8 of 84
Image 2. James Martelletti (Hava), Melina Chan (Kinyei Cafe and Soksabike Tours). 2 melbourne.vic.gov.auPatricia Coffee Brewers. Full details can be found in Appendix IV - Photo References Page 9 of 84 FOREWORD FROM THE LORD MAYOR
Greenline Implementation Plan
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The Greenline Implementation Plan 3 Page 10 of 84 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Melbourne is Australia’s fastest growing city and the Greenline will play a critical role in supporting the city’s future liveability and resilience.
The Greenline proposes transforming the Northbank of the Residents and visitors to Melbourne will benefit from Yarra River, Birrarung into an inspiring public waterfront connected spaces that embrace the river context, prioritise on Melbourne’s city edge; a series of vibrant river front safety and inclusion, balance a consistent identity with destinations along a 4km pedestrian and cycle connection a range of diverse offers, and provide opportunities for that celebrates the rich Aboriginal culture and city heritage, community health and wellbeing. Compelling journeys will while enhancing environmental outcomes. be created and opportunities to connect with the water will be enabled and enhanced. The north bank of the Yarra River Birrarung is currently underutilised, and broadly characterised by a lack of The Greenline will ensure that the Yarra River, Birrarung cultural expression, limited ecological or habitat value, poor is renowned as a significant ecological corridor, providing pedestrian and community connectivity, and a lack of social a resilient and adaptive interface between the river and amenity. The Greenline addresses these challenges through the city. The Greenline seeks to address some of the outlining key project opportunities in each precinct along significant environmental and climate-related challenges the Northbank that Melbourne faces. It will focus on improving river health, creating a connected ecological corridor, reintroducing The river landscape is a place of great spiritual importance riparian edges and enhanced biodiversity, and providing and historical significance for Aboriginal people. This was opportunities for environmental education and public formally recognised in the recent Yarra River Protection interaction with the river. (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017 that legally identified the river and its corridor as a single living and integrated Residents and visitors to Melbourne will have greater access natural entity for protection. The Northbank has also played to a series of connected open spaces and destinations a critical role in the evolution of modern Melbourne from along the northern bank of the river, and the Greenline will a maritime port, early rail development and more recently reposition the Yarra River, Birrarung as a centrepiece of evolving riverside recreation. Visibility of these layers of Melbourne’s culture, economy, and liveability. history will be experienced as a historical trail, a ‘walking history’ with design interventions to educate, celebrate and recognise Melbourne’s rich history and culture.
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The Greenline Implementation Plan 5 Page 12 of 84 GREENLINE VISION
The Greenline proposes a bold and transformational vision for the north bank of the Yarra River, Birrarung.
Indigenous landscapes will foster an understanding of the precinct’s Aboriginal cultural values, telling stories of Melbourne’s histories while re-introducing diverse ecologies to the central city.
Improved connectivity between public spaces will support access and the seamless movement of pedestrians and cyclists, providing opportunities for varied experiences with the Birrarung.
Northbank’s heritage assets will be enhanced and re-imagined through adaptive reuse, supporting an invigorated, lively river front precinct.
Creative experiences and immersive landscapes will invite public participation, play, education, and wonder in the central city, transforming the north bank into a truly local Melbourne waterfront with a global reputation.
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The Greenline Implementation Plan 7 Page 14 of 84 INTRODUCTION
Overview Melbourne’s central city is Early in the European colonial period, Cities around the world are re- the government set aside large purposing brownfields and industrial located within the traditional reservations of land around the Hoddle land to better embrace their lands of the Easterm Grid. Large parts of these reserves waterways and to create people- Kulin nation, occupying to the east were later formalised as centric and dynamic new urban parklands. The land between the centres. This 21st century landscape both natural and urban city and river became dominated led approach looks to the natural landscapes that surround by railways, areas downstream systems of waterways and green were rebuilt as vast docklands and spaces to enhance visitation, liveability the Yarra River, Birrarung as Southbank developed as the city’s and environmental resilience. By it flows towards the bay. The industrial hinterland. enhancing and connecting parklands river landscape is a place of and waterways, the Greenline Revitalisation of the Yarra River, embraces the idea of the “city as a great spiritual and cultural Birrarung in the late 20th century park”; a connected ecological system significance for Aboriginal saw Southbank converted from that supports Melbourne’s biodiversity an industrial precinct to one with and resilience. people in Victoria. arts, food, culture and commerce, combined with Melbourne’s fastest Transformational programs require growing inner suburb. The Greenline a strong vision, shared by people The Victorian Government introduced focuses on revitalising the Northbank, committed to bringing them to life. the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin in the form of a connected network Improvement of the Northbank is a Birrarung murron) Act 2017. The Act of green spaces creating a thriving key priority identified in Council’s recognises the Yarra River, Birrarung, river ecosystem on the city’s 2019 Yarra River - Birrarung Strategy. as part of our first people’s rich story edge. It repositions the river as a This plan draws on the key directions and our celebrated history. culturally significant place and major within the Strategy, brings them to life environmental asset for Melbourne. in the Northbank context and provides vision to enable partnerships and define future value.
Spencer Street
Harbour Esplanade Bolte Bridge Bolte
Wurundjeri Way
Wurundjeri Way
Map : Greenline Implementation Plan Study Area
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Purpose
This document explores how the city can provide a connected, high quality public realm, transforming the currently undervalued river front landscape. It does this through the introduction of a new, east-west link along the Northbank - the Greenline.
Greenline will not only improve east west connectivity along the river front but will also provide for new connections from the city into these revitalised areas.
The Greenline Implementation Plan sets out a vision, project themes and principles, precinct priorities and opportunities for new integrated projects in the Northbank area between Birrarung Marr and North Wharf - point.
A detailed program for Northbank improvements is proposed, highlighting capital works project opportunities and directions for advocacy and cooperation with key stakeholders.
Elizabeth Street Swanston Street
Queen Street
Market Street
William Street Batman Avenue
King Street
Flinders Street
St Kilda Road
Queen Bridge Street Bridge Queen Kings Way Kings
0 10m 100m 200m 500m N
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10 melbourne.vic.gov.au Page 17 of 84 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN SNAPSHOT
Project Themes *** Environment Culture Place Connection
Design Principles
1. Improve river health. 1. Provide opportunities 1. Create spaces that 1. Create a continuous, for the ongoing practice embrace the river uninterrupted journey 2. Design for and mitigate and celebration of context. along the river edge. impacts of climate Aboriginal culture. change. 2. Sustain the Yarra River, 2. Improve opportunities 2. Recognise and reflect Birrarung as a primarily to visually and 3. Create a connected the many cultural public place. physically connect ecological corridor. narratives and values to the river and the 3. Prioritise safety and 4. Provide opportunities associated with the Northbank inclusion. for environmental Yarra River, Birrarung. 3. Better connect the education and public 4. Balance a consistent 3. Enhance the unique Northbank into the interaction with the identity, with a series of character of the streets of the central river. diverse offers. Northbank by city 5. Increase tree canopy celebrating the existing 5. Improve the city’s 4. Provide safe, inclusive cover and vegetation to heritage assets. environmental and universally improve urban cooling. resilience. accessible connections 6. Provide amenity and 5. Enhance conditions experiences that for pedestrians and support community recreational cyclists health and well being.
7. Provide high quality places for people.
Greenline Implementation Precincts
BIRRARUNG MARR PRECINCT
YARRO YARRO SALT WATER PRECINCT PRECINCT RIVER PARK PRECINCT MARITIME PRECINCT
N
The Greenline Implementation Plan 11 Page 18 of 84 POLICY CONTEXT
The Greenline Implementation Plan is informed and guided by strategies and policies developed by the Traditional Custodians, The Victorian Government and City of Melbourne. These documents all recognise the Yarra River, Birrarung as a culturally significant place and major environmental asset.
The Traditional Custodians The Victorian Government
• Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Birrarung • Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Water Policy (2019) Birrarung murron) Act 2017 - The “Our Yarra River, Act, was an Australian first in legally Birrarung, is City of Melbourne identifying a river and its corridor as a single living and integrated recognised around • Climate and Biodiversity natural entity for protection. Emergency Declaration and the world as an Accelerated Priorities for Action • Yarra River 50 year Community 2019 Vision - The community’s iconic example expectations for the entire length • Yarra River Birrarung Strategy 2019 of the river. of a nurturing • Reconciliation Action Plan 2020- • Yarra Strategic Plan - The relationship 2023 overarching strategic framework to between a protect this waterway. • Open Space Strategy 2012 river and its • Lower Yarra River Management • Transport Strategy 2030 Advisory Committee Report community...” • Urban Forest Strategy 2012–2032 • Protecting Victoria’s Environment – – Draft Yarra Strategic Plan (50 • Docklands Public Realm Plan 2012 Biodiversity 2037 Year Community Vision), 2019 • Domains Parklands Masterplan • Water for Victoria (2016) 2019-2034 • Melbourne Water’s Healthy • Nature in the City Strategy 2017 Waterways Strategy 2018 • Municipal Integrated Water Management Plan 2017
• Climate Change Adaptation Strategy Refresh 2017
• Green Our City Strategic Action Plan 2017
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Yarra River Birrarung Strategy
The Yarra River - Birrarung The Greenline Implementation Plan Improving access for cyclists and Strategy, endorsed by Future provides opportunities to address the pedestrians along the river’s edge Melbourne Committee in broad range of actions listed in the is another major ambition in the December 2019, provides City of Birrarung Strategy. Strategy actions Strategy. The Greenline is well to improve the riparian quality of the placed to deliver on river front desire Melbourne’s strategic direction for river and ecological connectivity in lines currently interrupted by major the river and a guiding document the city are core deliverables for the roadways. Opportunities to improve for the Greenline. landscapes along the Greenline. Queensbridge Street, Kings Way and Spencer Street pedestrian crossings The Yarra River - Birrarung Strategy The Aboriginal Cultural narrative of and actions addressing some of takes a ‘place based’ approach in the Birrarung will be given priority the major road obstacles, like the defining City of Melbourne’s vision by promoting integration of sites of Queesnbridge Street-Williams Street and direction for the inner-city significance in collaboration with ‘S-bend’ are priorities in the Yarra reaches of the Yarra River, Birrarung. Traditional Owner groups. Elevating River Birrarung Strategy that can the understanding of Aboriginal be addressed through the Greenline It directs policy decisions and culture and history is possible through Implementation Plan. informs all future capital works creative installations which will project planning within the City position the Birrarung as a living entity of Melbourne’s river corridor. The and environmental educator. strategy also provides an advocacy tool to guide the City of Melbourne in The success of the Northbank area preserving and evolving the character will critically depend on collaboration of the Yarra River, Birrarung and offers with The Victorian Government and a planned response to avoid ad-hoc other landowners. Developing agreed decisions and holistically shape future design approach for locations on the proposals. Northbank as part of the Greenline is part of an action orientated Strategy. The strategic directions in the Yarra River – Birrarung Strategy promote a healthy river ecosystem, ecological connectivity and improved resilience to flooding and climate change. Collaboration with the Traditional Owner groups is highlighted as a means to recognise the significance Biodiversity Natural and help tell the living cultural story networks environment of the river and increase visibility Preserve of Aboriginal culture and heritage. and enhance Key directions around place and Views Aboriginal movement distinguish the river heritage and as a slow paced environment that Physical Cultural built form celebrate civic character areas and encourage new economies. Pedestrian and Integrated cyclist access cultural narrative Place
Social Economic On water uses Embrace the and activities $ waterfront
Water edge Public domain activation improvements City meets water
Source: Yarra River Birrarung Strategy, 2019. The Greenline Implementation Plan 13 Page 20 of 84
Yarra River - Birrarung Strategy Greenline to deliver - Action that is specific to or can be focused on the northbank as part of the Greenline. The Greenline will need to support the broader actions from the Yarra River Greenline to support - Action is wider than the - Birrarung Strategy that relate to the northbank and Greenline will play a key role in Northbank. delivering outcomes within the project area.
Informing Greenline - strategic activity that will inform the Greenline program.
Actions Summary Extract from the Yarra River - Birrarung Strategy
POTENTIAL ACTIONS TIMEFRAME COST COLLABORATIONS
Ecology
Deliver a trial project of riparian vegetation on the Parks Victoria; Royal 1 Short Medium river bank in collaboration with The Victorian Government. Botanical Gardens
Deliver a trial project for floating vegetation in the Yarra Parks Victoria; 2 River, Birrarung, in collaboration with The Victorian Short Medium Melbourne Water Government.
Develop a plan for interpretive signage highlighting Parks Victoria; Royal 3 the natural river environment in collaboration with Parks Mid Low Botanical Gardens Victoria and Royal Botanic Gardens.
Address planning scheme gaps regarding sunlight Department of 4 protection to the Yarra River, Birrarung, and adjacent public Mid Medium Environment, Land, spaces (outside Capital City Zone). Water and Planning
Melbourne Water; Develop urban design guidelines for flood prone areas Department of 5 Short Low across the municipality in the public and private realm. Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Culture
Establish a Memorandum of Understanding for future Traditional Owner 6 Short Low engagement with each of the Traditional Owner groups. Groups
Traditional Owner Develop an Aboriginal Cultural Narrative of the city section Groups; Aboriginal 7 of the Yarra River, Birrarung, in collaboration with Traditional Short Low Victoria; Birrarung Owner groups. Council
Traditional Owner Research the pre-contact landscape character and botanical Groups; Aboriginal 8 aspects of the Yarra River Birrarung, including the landscape Short Low Victoria; Birrarung management aspects to establish a reference planting guide. Council
Identify under-represented sites of significance and Traditional Owner culturally significant species for the Yarra River, Birrarung, in Groups; Aboriginal 9 Short Low collaboration with the Traditional Owner groups and explore Victoria; Birrarung opportunities to reintroduce these to the river. Council
Develop an interpretation strategy including storytelling Traditional Owner and signage for the Yarra River, Birrarung, on the basis of Groups; Aboriginal 10 Short Low the Aboriginal cultural narrative, maritime trading heritage Victoria; Birrarung and shared post-contact history. Council
Explore opportunities for creative installations that Traditional Owner position the river as an environmental educator, elevating Groups; Aboriginal 11 Short Low understanding of Aboriginal culture in the past, present and Victoria; Birrarung into the future. Council
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POTENTIAL ACTIONS TIMEFRAME COST COLLABORATIONS
Place
Parks Victoria; Work with The Victorian Government and adjacent Department of 12 landowners to develop an agreed design, and deliver Mid High Environment, Land, improvements to the central city Northbank area. Water and Planning
Develop a long term program of high quality events and Parks Victoria, Creative activities that align with The Activation Plan and work 13 Short Low Victoria, Yarra River towards transforming key locations of the riverfront into Business Association vibrant, safe and inclusive destinations.
Incorporate within the City of Melbourne Design Standards 14 relevant technical guidance for waterfront treatments and Short Low Parks Victoria signage to establish a consistent palette.
Work with The Victorian Government to deliver 15 general maintenance upgrades - decluttering, graffiti Mid High Parks Victoria, Victrack removal, street furniture, lighting etc.
Investigate the location, purpose and need for a new Parks Victoria; bridge to improve pedestrian and bicycle access between Department of 16 Mid High Birrarung Marr and Domain Parklands and, if supported, Environment, Land, work with The Victorian Government to fund and deliver. Water and Planning
Movement
Further investigate the feasibility and deliver Flinders Street Department of 17 Mid Medium bicycle lanes. Transport
Continue delivery of the alternative Southbank commuter Department of 18 cycle route, including Alexandra Avenue, City Road, Mid High Transport Kavanagh Street and Clarendon Street segments.
Work with The Victorian Government to deliver amenity improvements and better pedestrian crossing Department of 19 arrangements along key riverfront desire lines of Mid High Transport Queensbridge Street, Kings Way, Spencer Street and Russell Street/Hosier Lane.
Work with The Victorian Government to investigate future Department of 20 reconfiguration and delivery of improvements to the Mid High Transport Williams and Flinders Street intersection.
Undertake a detailed audit of existing access conditions Department of 21 and work with The Victorian Government to develop a Short Medium Transport coordinated maintenance and physical upgrade program.
The Greenline Implementation Plan 15 Page 22 of 84
Greenline to deliver - Action that is specific to or can be focused on the northbank as part of the Greenline.
Greenline to support - Action is wider than the northbank and Greenline will play a key role in delivering outcomes within the project area.
Informing Greenline - strategic activity that will inform the Greenline program. Policy Summary Extract from the Yarra River - Birrarung Strategy
Ecology
1 Encourage riparian greening along the Yarra River, Birrarung, including existing river banks.
2 Encourage a native and resilient planting palette along the Yarra River, Birrarung, promoting nature in the city.
3 Encourage riparian habitats in urban parks edging the Yarra River, Birrarung.
4 Encourage Sponge City strategies in the public realm and private development adjacent to the river.
Encourage initiatives in the city reach of the river to improve water quality in collaboration with Melbourne Water including 5 filtration of water runoff.
Culture
Advocate for Maritime Heritage to be considered in planning and design for key opportunity areas. Encourage interpretation 6 and a connected network between heritage precincts through a city-wide strategy (refer action 10).
Place
Encourage a range of high quality civic, educational, cultural, hospitality and water dependant uses that complement 7 a focus on high quality public spaces.
8 Build on diverse character districts to create a series of unique, locally authentic experiences.
9 Ensure unrestricted public waterfront access.
10 Encourage waterfront buildings to address the water with physical openings and active edge uses.
11 Discourage helicopter facilities and carparking along riverfront area and work to minimise ambient noise.
12 Promote activities that support a public, safe and attractive riverfront.
13 Rationalise existing and proposed clutter to ensure unobstructed appreciation to identified views and landmarks.
14 Consider impact on views in design and location of additional bridges only where cross river connectivity is critical.
Movement
Better integrate pathways along and leading to the riverfront by creating direct pedestrian crossing arrangements and 15 amenity improvements.
Advocate to The Victorian Government to investigate the potential to lower Wurundjeri Way and create a seamless 16 waterfront link.
17 Advocate for universal accessibility to ensure the river environment safely caters for everyone.
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The Greenline Implementation Plan 17 Page 24 of 84 HISTORIC CONTEXT
The Eastern Kulin people and their ancestors thrived on the banks of the Birrarung for at least 60,000 years before the first European arrival on the banks of the Yarra River, Birrarung. A site that would become the City of Melbourne.
What is now know as Enterprize Park “Narm-jaap (meeting place) where Phillip Bay, providing freshwater to was Narm jaap – the place of the the Queen’s Wharf [Enterprize Park] flow down the river to the eastern side Tea Tree scrub. Here was an ancient in Melbourne is now.” (Ballarat Star – of the ledge. The ledge itself allowed crossing point of the river and a reprinted in The Age June 8th 1866) a deep basin to form in front of it on meeting place of the Woi Wurrung and the western side, which in combination Boon Wurrung people. Currie’s manuscript remained with the salt and fresh water boundary misplaced and was not included in the provided a dynamic waterway The people of the Eastern Kulin Nation 31 boxes of family papers gifted to the environment for fishing and hunting. have an enduring oral history which State Library of Victoria by his family. was severely affected by subsequent Before the arrival of Europeans, Narm territorial and cultural dispossession. Central to the importance of Narm jaap was without doubt a place of Subsequently, there are stories only jaap to Aboriginal people was a great significance to the Eastern Kulin, the Eastern Kulin know and it is only natural basalt ledge in the Birrarung, both to the Boon Wurrung and Woi for them to tell. However there are know as Yarra Yarra to the Eastern Wurrung. The fording point alone snapshots and glimpses in the written Kulin, and the Falls to the Europeans. meant that well established tracks record of the place we call Enterprize ran from this location, it was a natural Park was before the City of Melbourne The Falls camping and meeting place. The formed around it. The Falls marked the boundary basalt ledge may also have been more between salt and fresh water on the than a natural feature, it could have The name Narm jaap has survived in river. For Eastern Kulin people it was a been augmented by the Eastern Kulin the European story through chance significant crossing point and meeting by placing basalt boulders across it alone. In 1866 a writer at The Ballarat place. For the first Europeans the – to better facilitate crossing by foot, Star contacted Scottish pastoralist Falls were the furthest upstream they but more importantly to trap fish. John Lang Currie, a known curator of could bring their boats and provided Aboriginal place names, to share with permanent fresh water, essential the public some of his knowledge on conditions for forming a settlement. Aboriginal geography. Unfortunately Currie had mislaid his manuscript on The Birrarung at Narm jaap comprised the subject and replied from memory, several characteristics that made it however he did supply those names he a significant place for Eastern Kulin was most certain of to the newspaper, people for thousands of years. Primary one of which was: of these was the basalt ledge running from bank to bank. It allowed a fording point across the river at low tide and the terminus for salt water from Port
Image 2. Russell, R 1837, ‘Melbourne from the falls, 30 June 1837’, Image 3. Chevalier, N 1861 ‘Studley Park at sunrise’ or ‘Sunrise on accessed on 21 April 2021: nla.gov.au the Yarra’, accessed on 21 April 2021: artsearch.nga.gov.au
18 melbourne.vic.gov.au Page 25 of 84
Image 4. An early view of Melbourne, probably reconstructed after 1836, with an elevated view of the Yarra River, and buildings and dwellings including those of John Batman, Captain W. Londsdale and tent of surveyor W. Darke. Source: Hofmann, R 1836, ‘Melbourne 1836’, accessed on 21 April 2021: ergo.slv.vic.gov.au
The mooring of the Enterprize The Hamlet of Bearhurp there was no clear consensus on In June 1835, following the infamous The campsite was an illegal settlement what the name of the hamlet was, “treaty” with the Wurundjeri/Woi under British law and had no official and it was generally referred to as Wurrung people, John Batman name. The squatters called it simple the settlement in the press, selected the area around the Falls Bearhurp, Pascoevale and Batmania the name Bearhurp crops up in the as the site for a future township. In amongst many others. Essential to correspondence of the Batmanites and August 1835 John Pascoe Fawkner’s the survival of the settlement was the probably reflects the popular name of party on a separate expedition support and protection of the local the place among the settlers. on board the Enterprize, dropped Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung anchor at this place and set up camp. people, to whom the squatters paid a By 1836 Bearhurp came under British Enterprize park is named after that tribute in food, tools and clothing. law and received its first official event. name - Glenelg. Glenelg was so- The tribute was not so much named after Charles Grant, the then Fawkner’s party sowed the seeds benevolent charity, but more a tacit British Secretary for War and the of the City of Melbourne on Sunday acknowledgment that the survival of Colonies, who held the title Baron August 30th 1835. The first act of the settlement was entirely dependent Glenelg (Glenelg is a small village in European settlement was recorded on the goodwill of their hosts, the the Scottish Highlands). An official without fanfare, drama or celebration Eastern Kulin people. Fawkner’s party account of Glenelg in 1836 numbered in terse, simple terms: was quickly followed by Batman’s and the European population at 142 thus early Melbourne was populated whereas the Eastern Kulin population by two rival yet peaceful factions. of the hinterland was given as 800 It is interesting to note that the with 400 congregating around the “This day moored Fawknerites had a strong relationship settlement on one occasion. The with the Boon Wurrung, whereas following year it was declared a alongside the the Batmanites were more closely township, a street grid was laid out bank and landed aligned with the Woi Wurrung. The and it was renamed Melbourne. The Batmanites, who included a contingent township was named after the British the horses and of Sydney Aboriginal men, also had a Prime Minister of the time, William relationship with the Waddawurrung Lamb, who held the title Baron other lumber off through the agency of William Buckley Melbourne (Melbourne is an English the deck.” who had lived amongst them for thirty market town). Neither Grant nor Lamb years. ever visited the place that bore their (Billot 1982, p6) titles. The settlement was an agricultural community, outside of British From the establishment of Melbourne control, and was in reality more of a proper in 1837, Aboriginal people became increasingly marginalised The bank was the Northbank of the hamlet than a village. By the close around the settlement. When the Yarra, the present Enterprize Park. of 1835 the hamlet comprised a population of about 50, residents in number of settlers and squatters two weatherboard huts, eight sod exceeded the local population, the cabins and a smattering of tents. Eastern Kulin essentially became The populace farmed a total area internally displaced people within their of no more than 60 acres. Although own country.
The Greenline Implementation Plan 19 Page 26 of 84
Queen’s Wharf people were loaded off gangplanks hub. Sailors, stevedores, merchants, As the population of Melbourne straight onto the muddy bank. This officials and cartmen amongst others expanded rapidly in the 1840’s, temporary arrangement soon became formed the population of the wharf. the mooring site of the Enterprize completely inadequate for a growing was formalised into a public wharf city and in 1842 a huge investment of Queen’s Wharf at this time was the named Queen’s Wharf after the over £6,000 was spent constructing beginning of most immigrants story in recently crowned Queen Victoria. a modern wharf. Battles with nature Victoria and it was also where many Larger vessels dropped anchor at and increasing demand saw the wharf who could not secure accommodation Williamstown and ferried goods and constantly upgraded throughout the on arrival slept rough for their first passengers across the bay and up the nineteenth century. few nights on Australian soil. The Yarra on smaller boats, offloading at chronic shortage of housing led to the the wharf. They shared the river with Williamstown and Queen’s Wharf creation of a temporary migrant camp, steamers and schooners that could sail became the arrival points for known as Canvas Town in the 1850’s, up to the Falls. The deep pool west of millions of immigrants to Victoria, a tent city which sprawled out on the the Falls became the Turning Basin for predominantly from the British Isles undeveloped south side of the Yarra. those ships returning to sea. and elsewhere in Australia. The Canvas Town was only a phenomenon journey from Britain and Ireland was of the 1850’s until the land beneath From 1835 to 1842 ships simply far from easy and many thousands the tents was sold and developed for moored at the same spot as the died en route through shipwreck residential and other uses. Enterprize, a mooring secured at or disease. In addition to being the the Yarra’s bank by a rope tied to arrival point for immigrants, Queen’s a nearby tree stump. Goods and Wharf was also a busy commercial
Image 5. A bird’s-eye view of Melbourne from the south bank of the Yarra looking north, showing sailing ship in the Pool, centre foreground, with the Customs House above in Flinders Street. Across the Yarra River, the single span Prince’s Bridge can be seen at the right hand side of the view. The Port Melbourne railway line runs diagonally across the Yarra and to its left is the Queen Street bridge. Major landmark buildings and spires of churches can be seen in the CBD. The Exhibition Building on the Carlton Gardens’ site can be seen to the north and to the left of it the curve of College Crescent is visible, with the tower of Ormond College and to its left Trinity College, in the grounds of Melbourne University. Source : Cooke, A. C. 1882, ‘Melbourne’, accessed on 21 April 2021: slv.vic.gov.au
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Image 6. This photograph shows the Yarra falls (the rocks in the foreground) being removed in 1883. The dredges can be seen hauling away large rocks. Source : Nettleton, C 1883, ‘Dredge on Yarra’, accessed on 21 April 2021: slv.vic.gov.au
End of the Falls and Queen’s Wharf The Falls were eventually blasted and The Aboriginal significance of this While there where great surges in dredged away in the 1880’s, when place is not forgotten, even though the population in the 1840’s, it was the present Queen’s Bridge was the landscape today is unrecognisable the discovery of gold in the newly constructed on the site in 1889. With from what it was before the arrival established colony of Victoria in 1851 the removal of the Falls an ancient and of the first European squatters. sparked the real beginning of mass significant place for the people of the After a long struggle for recognition migration. The 1850’s for Victoria and Eastern Kulin was destroyed. throughout the twentieth century, its Gold Rush, was a period of growth the Eastern Kulin people are for the Europeans and tragedy for the Following the loss of the Falls, Queen’s acknowledged as the Traditional Aboriginals. The huge increase in the Wharf itself became defunct by 1927 Owners of this land. non-Aboriginal population spreading when the Spencer Street bridge was into regional areas in conjunction built, preventing access for shipping. Text from “ Narm Jaap and Enterprize Park: A Social History” by Green Heritage with the Aboriginal Protectorate Following the closure of the wharf, the for City of Melbourne system saw the almost complete site went largely undeveloped. Wharf dispossession of Aboriginal people timbers were ripped up in the 1950’s from their land and a population for firewood and the Turning Basin was collapse. partly filled in. In commemoration of the historical significance of the area The increased urban development Batman Park was created in 1982, from on the banks of the Yarra in addition which the present Enterprize Park was to the need to better manage flood formed in 1997. waters, made the removal of the Falls a necessity for Melbourne’s growth. To acknowledge and celebrate the The first attempt to make the Falls heritage of the site, Melbourne City a more useful crossing point for the Council reinstalled the Turning Basin European settlers happened in 1839 and constructed a commemorative when a convict gang heaped stone timber wharf with the Constellation and clay across the basalt ledge to sculptural installation, which provide create a damn. This was the first a permanent reminder of Melbourne’s civil engineering work undertaken first port. in Melbourne. It was not a good solution for a growing city however, and various ad hoc bridges were built across the Falls as needs demanded in the nineteenth century.
The Greenline Implementation Plan 21 Page 28 of 84 EVOLUTION OF THE NORTHBANK
Milestones of the Birrarung
Pre-1800 1835–1847 Australia’s first people have an intimate connection to European settlement established on the Northbank nature and place. The Birrarung was a critical meeting beside the freshwater source of the Yarra River - place, source of food and crossing point. Birrarung, upstream of the historic falls ‘Yarro Yarro’. Source : Russell, R 1837, ‘Melbourne from the falls, 30 June Source : Whittock, N 1855, ‘The City of Melbourne’, 1837’, accessed on 21 April 2021: slv.vic.gov.au accessed on 21 April 2021: slv.vic.gov.au
1980’s–2000’s 1960–1970 A coordinated government strategy led to replacement Following the 1969 Melbourne Transportation Plan, of southbank industry with arts, retail and tourism the City Loop was completed in 1978 which added an attractions on the banks of the Yarra River - Birrarung. additional rail viaduct structure to the rivers edge.
2006 2017 Sandridge Bridge was converted to a new pedestrian Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act and cycle path, connecting Flinders Walk to Southbank 2017. A Victorian and Australian first in legally identifying Promenade. a large river and its corridor as a single living and integrated natural entity for protection
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1883 1850–1900 The Yarro Yarro (the Falls) were removed and dredged The discovery of gold leads to a rapidly expanding away with the present Queen’s Bridge constructed on maritime and industrial focus on the river to support a the site in 1889. fast-growing city. Source : Nettleton, C 1883, ‘Dredge on Yarra’, accessed on Source : ‘Flinders Street 1912’, accessed on 21 April 2021: 21 April 2021: slv.vic.gov.au melbournewalks.com.au
2000 – 2003 2005 Construction of Birrarung Marr and Federation Square Flinders Street overpass removed. A joint project by the completed in 2002 after an extensive design competition The Victorian Government and Melbourne City Council to for a public square on the former Gas & Fuel building. revitalize the western end of Flinders Street
2019 2020 Yarra River Birrarung Strategy was endorsed by the Draft Yarra Strategic Plan is released by the The Victorian Future Melbourne Committee. The Strategy guides the Government of Victoria highlighting a commitment to future planning of the inner city reach of the river and protect the 200 km of the Yarra River and its parklands outlines strategic directions and opportunities over the for future generations. next 15 years.
The Greenline Implementation Plan 23 Page 30 of 84 YARRA RIVER BIRRARUNG STRATEGY COMMUNITY AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Community Feedback
A public consultation process was What we heard Yarra River Big Ideas Forum undertaken in the second half Overall, respondents supported On the 15th of August 2019 the Yarra of 2019 as part of development the strategy. Participant feedback River Business Association held an of the Yarra River - Birrarung indicated that 90% of respondents ideas forum for government, business Strategy. The purpose of the ‘strongly agreed’ or ‘agreed’ with and community stakeholders. Ideas engagement was to gain feedback strategic directions outlined under the from this forum informed the Yarra four themes. River - Birrarung Strategy and on the City of Melbourne’s future included: aspirations for Melbourne’s Public spaces on the Northbank of the inner-city Yarra River. This Yarra River, Birrarung have a direct • Traditional Owners must be included actions proposed for the relationship with the Hoddle Grid and acknowledged via a visible Northbank. Southbank. This positions the city presence in any changes to the as a river city, however while their river or its banks. Engagement included online and prominence should be iconic - some • First Peoples’ input is valued, face-to-face consultation activities, of these spaces are difficult to get to, equating it with returning to more pop-ups along the river, an online poorly maintained, filled with litter and environmentally sound principles. survey, stakeholder meetings, posters in some instances are perceived as in community facilities, social media undesirable and unsafe places. • Historical connections to the river posts and an ideas forum. should be recognised and a strong The ecological objectives received the narrative should be present and There were: most enthusiastic support from survey accessible to river visitors. respondents with aspirations for the • 42,000 people alerted to the river to be ‘more natural’ and healthy. • Post-contact maritime history project via social media There was also broad agreement that should be celebrated alongside Aboriginal history, as well as the • 5,000 visits to the strategy web Aboriginal heritage be acknowledged histories of trade, immigration, and page via a visible presence in changes to the river or its banks. Other themes recreation as valuable aspects of • 79 Participate Melbourne survey included greater recognition of the the river’s story. responses maritime history of the river. This forum reinforced the interest • 128 Participate Melbourne online in seeing improvements to the ideas forum posts amenity, presentation and quality of experiences along the Northbank of • 100 face-to-face engagement the river as a priority. responses
Image 7. Level of support for strategic directions : 98% of respondents agreed that Northbank should be prioritized for renewal
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Image 8. Engagement pop-ups along the river - Flinders Walk
Yarra River Melbourne, Yarra River Business Association, Arup August 2019 Yarra River Big Ideas Forum
Image 9. Initial workshop for the Greenline project in 2018 Image 10. Yarra Big Idea Forum Report
The Greenline Implementation Plan 25 Page 32 of 84 EXISTING CONTEXT
Northbank is located on the doorstep of the Central City and many of Melbourne’s key visitor destinations including the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Marvel Stadium and Birrarung Marr.
Northbank’s rich history and The current conditions of the Rather than recreating the outdoor distinctive features of the parks, Northbank present as a poor quality, dining, arts and events focus of bridges, heritage vaults and railway disconnected and inconsistent public Southbank, the Greenline is an viaducts should play a prominent role realm, lacking activity and integrated opportunity to build on the existing in the City of Melbourne’s identity. frontages. These issues create an character of Northbank to create Yet the Northbank is currently the underwhelming experience, out of an enhanced connected river front unattractive counterpart to the step with the city edge location and experience that remains authentic to revitalised Southbank which features prone to safety and security issues. these unique attributes. sunny, attractive, and generally well maintained pedestrianised public spaces and active building frontages NORTH MELBOURNE adjacent a thriving Arts Precinct.
CARLTON
Destinations and Annual Visitation Numbers in the Central City within walking distance to Northbank
Immigration Museum 135, 372 visitors
Southern Cross Station
Melbourne Aquarium Federation Square 1.4 million visitors 10.5 million visitors
Marvel Stadium 5.3 million visitors Flinders Street Station
Southbank and Southgate 1.5 million visitors
Crown Complex Eureka Skydeck 6.5 million visitors 1.5 million visitors
Arts Centre 3.75 million visitors Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre National Gallery 3.5 million visitors N
26 melbourne.vic.gov.au Page 33 of 84 FUTURE CONTEXT
Melbourne’s west, south and central Developments in the project study area city are rapidly transforming. There are many significant development approval applications being evaluated and approved with many new buildings under construction. This 12 growth puts additional pressure on 5 10 the city’s existing public open spaces, 8 waterways and streets.
The Yarra River, Birrarung continues 9 to play a critical role in connecting some of the city’s key destinations. 13 2 It also promotes ecological and 14 environmental functions and provides 3 critical east-west movements.
Population growth presents both a 6 4 challenge and opportunity. Notably, 15 the suburbs of Port Melbourne, Southbank and West Melbourne 18 are predicted to grow significantly 7 between now and 2040. Increased 16 public open space and improved connectivity are required to support 11 the growing residential and worker 17 populations. 1
A number of new developments, both planned and under construction, present significant opportunity for the Northbank of the river in connecting riverside destinations. These projects will play a key role in shaping the City of Melbourne projects future of the river precinct. 1. Draft Birrarung Marr Masterplan 2. Enterprize Park landscape upgrades 3. Flinders Street bike lanes investigations Significant City Growth 4. Southbank Promenade landscape upgrade 312% West Melbourne 5. Domain Parklands Masterplan (Residential) The Victorian Government projects 170% Parkville 6. Harbour Esplanade redevelopment
102% 7. Town Hall Station construction and future Flinders Street Station refurbishment Kensington 170% North 8. Richmond to Docklands Planning Framework Melbourne 10,394% 61% Private developments West Melbourne (Industrial) 173% 30% CBD 9. Melbourne Quarter by Lendlease 10. Flinders Bank by Century Group 169% 98,828% Southbank 11. Marvel Stadium redevelopment (with The Victorian Government) Port Melbourne 12. Treasury Square development (with The Victorian Government) 9% 13. Collins Wharf by Lendlease 266% Docklands Temporary and other interventions
14. Yarra Pools intervention (Enterprize Park) Greenline (Northbank) study area 15. Good Cycles Bike Hub (Customs Square) Significant residential growth 16. Expanding Hospitality presence on the Yarra River including Arbory, Arbory expected Afloat, Ponyfish Island, etc. High residential growth expected 17. Joost Baker ‘Future Food System’, Birrarung Marr Moderate residential growth 18. Birrarung Marr Festivals and Events expected 19. Federation Square Activations
The Greenline Implementation Plan 27 Page 34 of 84 WHAT WE VALUE... Quotes were received through consultation completed as part of the City River Strategy. https://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/city-river-strategy/
“The river is important to Melbourne and anything to enhance it – and the public’s use of the river and waterfront – are to be encouraged.”
... open views to the water and city vistas ...
... public parks on the water front...
...the Capital City trail...
... acknowledgement of and connections to the Traditional Custodians ...
“Keeping Aboriginal history alive, especially in an essential location like the Birrarung, is crucial to actually being able to re- tell the story of the river.”
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“The ecology of the river is crucial to promote and restore urban ecology within the city, for both local fauna and the benefit of humans.”
... proximity to the central city and key destinations...
... heritage infrastructure and architecture ...
... a place for young people to be creative and active ...
... natural edges to the river ...
... a place of quiet respite from the busyness of the city ...
The Greenline Implementation Plan 29 Page 36 of 84 WHAT WE WANT TO IMPROVE... Quotes were received through consultation completed as part of the City River Strategy. https://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/city-river-strategy/ ... poor pedestrian connectivity from street level to the river and “ Dirty, noisy, but lack of universal access ... prime real-estate.”
... visual and phyical access from the city to the Northbank impeded by roads and rail infrastructure...
“There are many areas that are polluted with rubbish. [The Northbank] needs to be worked on for the health of the river.”
... poorly maintained assets in need of renewal ...
“ These spaces are underwhelming and are difficult to get to due to obstructions such as large built form, unpleasant rail viaduct conditions and busy, multi- lane roads which are difficult for pedestrians to cross.” ... unsafe, dark and noisy environments beneath the rail viaducts ...
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“I have seen a lot of pressure on the area, it has many tourists so would benefit from alternative routes for fast cyclists.” ... cyclist and pedestrian congestion leading to conflicts ...
... forgotten sites of cultural and historical significance (the falls)...
... pedestrian and safety ... building uses without issues caused by conflicts active frontages and hard with private vehicles ... edges to the river ...
... unsuccessful activation strategy and underutilised open spaces ...
... motorways prioritising vehicle movement making it difficult to for pedestrians and cyclists to move along the River ...
The Greenline Implementation Plan 31 Page 38 of 84 EXEMPLAR RIVER TRANSFORMATIONS
Cities that have invested in providing thriving, healthy waterways have demonstrated success in urban transformations, improved connectivity and ecological health.
Columbia River, Washington, USA
The revitalisation of the north bank of the Columbia River includes the design of public realm, parks and open space. The 12 hectare project creates space for the 6,000 new residents envisaged to inhabit the area. Transforming the former industrial site has revived the north bank of the river front by improving access to the waterfront, expanding open space and connecting the park to nearby amenities. The project was collaboratively delivered by local public artists and landscape architects producing an outcome which blends art within the natural landscape.
Image 11.The North bank of the Columbia River – Landezine.com
ChonGae Canal Project, Seoul, South Korea
The ChonGae Canal Restoration Project was enabled by the a winning project within an international design competition. The site expands 11 kilometres and delivers a pedestrian focussed environment, consisting of central gathering spaces for a city in dire need of additional pulic open spaces.
Once a highly polluted and covered water way, the project consisted of the demolition of around 9 kilometres of at-grade and elevated highways severing the central city. Functionally, the restoration project serves an environmental restoration effort by addressing the catastrophic flooding that occurs during intense storms. The unique sloping and stepped design outcome encourages direct public engagement while allowing for varying water levels. Image 12. Cheonggyecheon Stream at dusk - Souce : blog. onedaykorea.com/cheonggyecheon-stream-tour/
Chicago Riverwalk, Illinois, USA
The Chicago River was once an under-utilised, polluted shipping channel. Major redevelopment of the 2km inner city river front was undertaken. A new, expanded riverwalk was created that offers four character areas, featuring distinct urban landscapes and activities.
Decades of planning was undertaken before the physical Riverwalk began to take shape in 2001. Funding for the many improvements came from multiple sources, including federal and state/local budgets. The successful transformation of Chicago’s river front offers many insights for our city river front, highlighting the future possibilities and potential multiple benefits of investment.
Image 13. Chicago riverwalk. Source : Angie McMonigal, Courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center 32 melbourne.vic.gov.au Page 39 of 84
Image 14. The North bank of the Columbia River, Washington Source : Landezine.com
The Greenline Implementation Plan 33 Page 40 of 84 DELIVERING ON CITY OF MELBOURNE STRATEGIES
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The Greenline Implementation Plan 35 Page 42 of 84
Reconciliation Action Plan (2020-2023) Greenline deliverables
Our city values and celebrates of stories that underpins respect, Aboriginal people’s unique relationships and opportunities. meaningful heritage and culture. The Innovate engagement with Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) An honest appraisal of our enshrines and reaffirms that respect organisation will shape this RAP. We the traditional and also commits us to actions for believe reconciliation means working custodians advancing reconciliation. to ensure Melbourne is an inclusive city for Aboriginal people, and working Establish a Memorandum We are proud to make a commitment to close the gap of disadvantage of Understanding for to fully support reconciliation within experienced by Aboriginal people future engagement with our organisation and to influence since European settlement. each of the Traditional reconciliation across the city and Custodian Groups. through our connections nationally It is about honouring the unbroken and internationally. In the spirit of relationship of the Aboriginal Work with the Traditional reconciliation, our actions will not community to Melbourne, past Custodians to understand follow a separate stream – instead and present, and supporting and integrate existing reconciliation will be embedded in our this relationship into the future. policies such as the core business and decision-making Consultation, collaboration, and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung at every level. This builds on actions partnerships with all in our community Birrarung Water Policy. in recent years to promote Aboriginal will help us achieve this vision – heritage and culture in the city’s strengthening a local government research and life. Acknowledgement of culture culture that promotes and supports all is demonstrated when we program Australians coming together to make a knowledge events and nurture relationships positive difference in all our lives. gathering in that deepen the city’s cultural understanding of unique Aboriginal The Reconciliation Action Plan 2020- collaboration with history. 23 focuses on four key areas. the traditional
This is our fifth Reconciliation Action Truth Telling custodians Plan and comes two years after the Exploring and delivering opportunities Support the development completion of our fourth RAP 2015-18. for ‘Truth Telling’, to facilitate learning, of an Aboriginal Cultural It follows a process of deep self- healing, and change throughout Narrative of the city reflection for the City of Melbourne community. section of the Yarra River, as we aspire to realise our vision to Birrarung and the Annual support the voice and ambition of Relationships Plan Initiative to “Fully Aboriginal communities through Ensure people participate and feel recognise and celebrate leading behaviours and role modelling connected, we want to replicate this Aboriginal Culture and best practice. A key priority will with our relationships with Aboriginal knowledge along the be exploring the best avenues for and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Yarra River Birrarung.” recruiting and retaining Aboriginal staff members. The creation of a Respect Complete research of the pre-contact landscape separate Aboriginal Melbourne Demonstrate respect for the culture, character and botanical branch in 2019 has set the tone for our land and history of Aboriginal and aspects of the Yarra River commitment to a more empowering Torres Strait Islander people. and culturally-connected organisation. Birrarung, including the landscape management Opportunities In this RAP, we speak of respect, aspects to establish a Greater participation by Aboriginal reference planting guide. relationships, good governance and and Torres Strait Islander people to opportunities. These are powerful create a sustainable and resilient Identify underrepresented words that will be matched with municipality. actions as we implement reconciliation sites of significance and initiatives. Significantly, we have culturally significant added another core pillar to our species for the Yarra RAP - we commit to a truth-telling River, Birrarung, and process, to be honest about our explore opportunities to past and how the past shapes today reintroduce these to the and to be collaborative and positive river. about our future. Truth-telling enables healing. Truth-telling has been, for many communities in the world, a foundational experience, a sharing
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“Creation Story - Melbourne”
Extract from the City of Melbourne’s Nature in the City Strategy 2017 (refer p .40). Permission to reproduce this story was provided by the Wurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation and Cultural Heritage Council
The Greenline Implementation Plan 37 Page 44 of 84
The Climate Change and Biodiversity Emergency
City of Melbourne declared a climate and biodiversity emergency in 2019. In doing so, we joined around 1400 jurisdictions across 27 countries – a local and international movement recognising that climate change poses serious risks to the people of Melbourne and Australia.
The emergency acknowledges that temperature rise above 1.5°C will lead to major and irreversible damage to ecosystems. Up to one million species face extinction.
From the banks of the Yarra to the trees that line our streets and world- Image 15. Greenpeace Australia Pacific acknowledging this “monumental moment” famous parks, Melbourne’s unique Source: Greenpeace Australia Pacific, accessed on 21 April 2021 : greenpeace.org.au environment and coveted liveability are at risk from the effects of the climate change. In fact, we know climate change is already impacting Melbourne in many ways.
We know that immediate action to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts is needed now if Melbourne is to remain a liveable city for future generations to visit, work and live. To support our climate and biodiversity emergency declaration, we have committed to reaching Council’s zero emissions target for the municipality 10 years earlier, by 2040.
In order to do this 10 priorities are Image 16. The northbank next to Riverland flooded by an overflowing Yarra River June 2014 identified for accelerated action, Source: Chingaipe, S 2014, accessed on 21 April 2021: sbs.com.au based on the areas we can make the most impact.
Image 17. Melbourne was smothered in a thick smoke haze from the 2019-2020 bushfires Source: Crosling, D 2020, accessed on 21 April 2021 : reuters.com
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What does climate change Droughts Our plants and animals mean for our city? • By 2050, there will be 20 per • Climate change is disrupting natural Our climate in Victoria has already cent less rainfall during spring in cycles and habitat in our parks and warmed by 1°C. Temperature rise Melbourne. This means more severe gardens. conditions in the lead up to the above 1.5°C will lead to major and • Temperature increases mean we summer bushfire season. irreversible damage to ecosystems, could lose 35 per cent of the city’s endangering Melbourne’s coveted • The millennium drought and heat trees in the next 20 years. liveability. stress have accelerated the decline • Elms and some species of of the city’s current tree population. Melbourne is experiencing hotter indigenous eucalypts won’t survive. days, bushfire smoke, more intense • In 2019 Melbourne had 374 mm • Melbourne is home to many storms and flooding as well as sea rainfall, down 40 per cent on our threatened species including the level rise. The disruption caused by 630 mm average. powerful owl, grey-headed flying these impacts is already affecting fox and the swift parrot. homes, businesses and the natural Climate change is already environment. impacting: Our economy
Heatwaves Our people • The estimated cost of smoke haze in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra • Melbourne is experiencing hotter • There are health and social impacts from the 2019–2020 bushfires is days. We currently average 11 days from floods, bushfires, extreme $500 million. greater than 35 degrees. By 2050 heat and storms, especially for we will experience an average 16 Melbourne’s most vulnerable • Climate change will cost our local days greater than 35 degrees. residents. economy $12.6 billion by 2050 and impact agriculture, tourism, • The 2009 heatwave increased • More than 1200 people are insurance and finance. demand on health services experiencing homelessness in including a 46 per cent increase Melbourne, and around 19 per cent • The transition to renewable energy in ambulance callouts and a 12 of Melbourne’s residents live below and electric vehicles is already per cent increase in emergency the poverty line. underway. department presentations. • Older people, young children, those • Businesses in the municipality of Flooding and sea level rise with existing medical conditions Melbourne lost an estimated $37 and people who cannot afford million in revenue over the four-day • Melbourne will experience more air conditioning are at risk during heatwave in 2014. severe rainfall events, increasing extreme heat. • The total cost of the 2009 Black the likelihood of flooding and storm Saturday bushfires was estimated surge. • During the heatwave preceding Black Saturday in 2009, 374 people at $4.4 billion. • By 2050 sea levels will rise by 24 died due to heat-related illness. cm on 1990s levels. • In 2018 Melbourne experienced a 1 in 1000 year rainfall event with 50 mm of rain falling in 15 minutes. This resulted in flash flooding, train lines suspended and power outages across the city.
Bushfire smoke “Trees, such as our elms and even some • Victoria has had longer fire seasons since the mid-1990s and fire days indigenous eucalypts, will struggle to are projected to increase by 42 per cent per year in Melbourne by grow in drought conditions – higher 2050. temperatures mean we could lose 35 • In January 2020 Melbourne’s air per cent of the city’s trees in the next 20 quality was the worst in the world due to smoke from bushfires. years.”
Lord Mayor Sally Capp on the Climate and Biodiversity Emergency Declaration on 14 February 2019
The Greenline Implementation Plan 39 Page 46 of 84
How does climate change • Significant areas of the Greenline Greenline deliverables impact the Greenline project? project extent are at risk to innudation and riverine flooding measure and assess Heatwaves during a severe storm event of 1 in 100 year intensity. the environmental Heatwaves and very hot days are impact Sea level rise known to have serious impacts on Collect base line date for human and animal health, increases in Climate change is projected to air quality, microclimate antisocial behaviour, the performance increase average sea-levels along and biodiversity. of infrastructure and the delivery of Victoria’s coast by 5 to 15cm by 2030 essential services. and 26 to 59cm by 2070. These Urban areas are usually warmer than changes will increase the likelihood planning for their rural surroundings, creating what and severity of floods and other heatwaves inundation events like storm surges in is known as the ‘urban heat island Increase vegetation, Melbourne. effect’. shading and reflective or permeable surfaces to • Significant areas of the Greenline • Significant areas of the Greenline project extent are identified as at provide a cool place of project and surrounding land are respite close to the city. 5-10 degrees above the non-urban risk of rising sea levels. baseline. Droughts Priortise plant species • The River and existing open spaces which are identified as The increasing frequency of drought in the Greenline project extent are climate ready. and reduced rainfall poses challenges -2 to 2 degrees above or below to Melbourne’s water supply, as well non-urban baseline and provide a as the health of parks, trees and green planning for cool place of respite. spaces throughout the city. drought Flooding • Some existing open spaces within Develop integrated water Flood events are predicted to become the Greenline project extent are management plan for the more common. irrigated with potable water. In project area. the event of a drought and water Invest in stormwater The combination of climate change restrictions, trees in these open harvesting infrastructure impacts, including more frequent, space would be at risk. large rainfall events and sea level rise to ensure security of means that the area of land inundated • Some existing trees will irreversibly water for irrigation. during flood events is expected to decline in drought conditions and increase and riverine flooding will required removal and replacement. flood mitigation increase in frequency and severity. Ensure new spaces are designed to minimise hazards to people, infrastructure and the delivery of essential services in flood conditions
40 melbourne.vic.gov.au Page 47 of 84
Map : Urban heat - degrees Celsius the average temperature is above or below the non-urban baseline (2018)
N
15 degrees C+ 5 to 10 degrees C 0 to 2 degrees C
10 to15 degrees C 2 to 5 degrees C -2 to 0 degrees C Source : DELWP, ‘Cooling and Greenling Melbourne Interactive Map’, accessed on 21 April 2021 : mapshare.vic.gov.au/coolinggreening/
Map : Predicted sea level rise by 2100 - 0.8m plus a 1 in 100 year storm surge of 1% (Received from Melbourne Water 2015)
N
The Greenline Implementation Plan 41 Page 48 of 84
Urban Forest Strategy Nature in the City Strategy
The City of Melbourne is facing the Nature in the City is an inspirational Goal 1: Create a more diverse, significant challenges of climate strategy to enable and realise a connected, and resilient natural change, population growth and urban thriving urban ecology to enhance environment heating, placing pressure on the built the future liveability of our city. It was fabric, services and people of the developed collaboratively between the • Priority 1: Improve ecosystem health city. A healthy urban forest will play a community and the City of Melbourne and biodiversity. critical role in maintaining the health and echoes community aspirations • Priority 2: Develop a more and liveability of Melbourne. and values. ecologically-connected urban landscape. Our Urban Forest Strategy seeks Our vision is the City of Melbourne to manage this change and protect will support diverse, resilient, and • Priority 3: Increase the contribution against future vulnerability by healthy ecosystems that improve the of the private realm in supporting providing a robust strategic environment and wellbeing of our biodiversity conservation and framework for the evolution and community, providing the foundation ecosystem health within the longevity of Melbourne’s urban forest. for a liveable city. We will achieve this municipality. by: The strategy aims to, adapt our city Goal 2: Connect people to nature to climate change, mitigate the urban heat island effect by bringing our • Priority 4: Connect more people to inner-city temperatures down, create nature to improve social resilience, healthier ecosystems, become a water- health, and wellbeing. sensitive city as well as engage and • Priority 5: Explore opportunities to involve the community. use cultural and practical ‘Caring for Country’ principles to integrate We will achieve this by: people with nature. • increasing canopy cover from 22 per cent to 40 per cent by 2040 • increasing forest diversity with no more than 5 per cent of one tree Map : Urban Forest Strategy and Nature in the City Strategy 2017 - species, no more than 10 per cent Canopy coverage and biodiversity corridors of one genus and no more than 20 per cent of any one family • improving vegetation health • improving soil moisture • improving biodiversity • informing and consulting with the community.
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Nature in the City Strategy Greenline deliverables
Goal 3: Demonstrate leadership in a healthy new urban establish the river urban ecology and conservation of forest as a biodiversity biodiversity Remove and replace corridor • Priority 6: Demonstrate local and existing trees in decline Increase riparian global leadership in conserving and improving growing vegetation on the River biodiversity and creating conditions of trees to be bank and deliver a trial for and sustaining healthy urban retained floating vegetation in the ecosystems. Yarra River. Increase tree canopy coverage. Increase understorey planting and canopy Increase tree species and cover age diversity. Work with the Traditional Plant climate ready tree Custodians to develop speces. a planting guide which acknowleges the connect people to significance of the pre- contact landscape and nature considers the climate Develop a plan for impacts. interpretive signage highlighting the natural river environment in collaboration with Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water.
Minimum canopy cover of 20%
Minimum canopy cover of 20% - 40%
Minimum canopy cover of 40%
Biodiversity corridor
Adjoining biodiversity corridor
Key boulevard (Department of Transport roads)
Key boulevard on 40% canopy cover
Boulevard with limited planting opportunity
Potential boulevard
City of Melbourne municipal boundary
N Greenline project boundary
The Greenline Implementation Plan 43 Page 50 of 84
Municipal Integrated Water Greenline deliverables Management Plan 2017
The Municipal Integrated Water Targets for 2030, including: flood resilience Management Plan sets the strategic Explore the adoption of direction on water management • Minimum 20% of each catchment’s Water Sensitive Urban across the municipality. surface is considered permeable by Design (WSUD) to 2030 mitigate minor flooding The City of Melbourne practices and reduce the pressure • 30% reduction in Total Nitrogen Integrated Water Management, on the existing lower contributed to the waterways from defined as the coordinated drainage network. the municipality of Melbourne’s management of all components catchment (baseline year 2000) of the water cycle including water storm water run consumption, rainwater, stormwater, • 20% all municipal water use and wastewater and groundwater, to 50% of all council water use off reduction secure a range of benefits for the sourced from alternative water Proposed works will not wider catchment. sources increase storm water run off from 2021 baseline. The Plan sets the strategic direction on water management across the alternative water municipality, using a place-based and catchment approach. use New public spaces will be supported by alternative water uses for non- potable uses. improving water quality Increase WSUD to treat stormwater run off from the up-stream catchment.
Map : Modelled drainage network capacity (for illustration only)
N
44 melbourne.vic.gov.au Page 51 of 84
Transport Strategy 2030 Greenline deliverables
Our 10 year Transport Strategy establishes a long-term vision for all safe streets for transport city commuters, and will see more people interchanges are space for pedestrians, cyclists and greening. Improve all intersections welcoming people to optimise flow of places With Melbourne’s daily population pedestrians and improve forecast to increase to 1.4 million by safety and amenity for all. Coordinate with 2036, bold decisions need to be made future tram extention about how space is designed and used Exceed the minimum from Collins Street to in the future. standards set in the Fishermans Bend. Disability Discrimination By 2030 we will put in place plans to Act 1992 by delivering Work with Yarra Trams reduce through traffic in the busiest universally accessible to improve pedestrian parts of the city, convert our ‘Little streets and public spaces. connections to existing Streets’ into pedestrian priority shared tram stops. zones, and transform Melbourne into safe streets for Work with The Victorian the country’s leading bicycle city by Government to reduce creating more than 50km of protected bike riding pedestrian congestion bicycle lanes. Slow zone for bikes along the Northbank. at Flinder Street Station Our Transport Strategy 2030 will underpass. provide more space for people on Provide connections to footpaths and around major transport future protected bicycle hubs, to boost Melbourne’s $5.7 route on Flinders Street 2030 PROPOSED billion retail and hospitality sector, and North Wharf in INTEGRATED and deliver $870 million in economic Docklands. benefits to Victoria over the next NETWORK decade. Melbourne's transport network in 2030 as proposed by this strategy.
2030 PROPOSED INTEGRATED NETWORK
Melbourne's transport network in 2030 as proposed by this strategy. Map : Transport Strategy - 2030 Proposed integrated network
Proposed/ Existing Key: future
Pedestrian priority zone
Protected bicycle route
Slow zone for bikes
Traffic-calmed bike street
Train station
Train station - investigate relocation Proposed/ Existing Key: future Full-time bus priority
Pedestrian priority zone Tram
Protected bicycle route Rail Slow zone for bikes Melbourne Metro 1 0 500 1,000 m Traffic-calmed bike street N Melbourne Metro 2 Train station Traffic bypass Train station - investigate relocation N Full-time bus priority
Tram Map 1: Combined map of all proposals. Rail Melbourne Metro 1 0 500 1,000 m N The Greenline18 Implementationmelbourne.vic.gov.au Plan 45 Melbourne Metro 2 Traffic bypass
Map 1: Combined map of all proposals.
18 melbourne.vic.gov.au Executive Summary | Transport Strategy 2030 19 Page 52 of 84
Open Space Strategy Greenline deliverables The City of Melbourne manages more The Open Space Strategy provides new open spaces than 500 hectares of open space. This direction on: represents almost 15 per cent of the Work with developers to total area of the City of Melbourne. • the unprecedented demand deliver new open spaces for open space as Melbourne’s with access to Yarra River Our first Open Space Strategy population continues to grow fontage . provides the overarching framework • climate change – a decade of and strategic direction for open space Investigate opportunities drought, water restrictions planning in the City of Melbourne for to create new open and extreme weather and the the next 15 years. spaces that form retreats predicted impacts of climate and encourace people to A key objective of the strategy is to change provide additional spend time outside. plan Melbourne’s open space network challenges to the management of to be within easy walking distance of parks and reserves and the role public access to the the community, particularly in areas of they can play in climate change forecasted population growth. adaptation river front Work with developers • ensuring open spaces can provide to deliver public access for and adapt to differing needs along the northbank and uses, providing people with of the Yarra River in the opportunity to connect with Docklands. nature. existing parks Maintain informal character of Batman Park and protect the space from further overshadowing.
Integrate community priorities identified by the Draft Birrarung Marr Master Plan engagement.
Docklands Melbourne 3000 Map : Open Space20 Strategy - Docklands Snapshot Map : Open Space Strategy15 - CBD Snapshot
Achieve a public open space Establish a new Local open Investigate potential open space in the vicinity of the Queen Victoria Market which promenade link to the future Forecast in populationspace in this changelocation Precinct summary complements existing cultural and retail activity while also catering to the needs of Municipal open space = 30,000 people The Melbourne 3000 central city area the growing community of City North urban renewal area. This has potential to include New Small Local open space upgrades to existing open spaces and/or the utilisation of road reserves. was originally designed with a ring of Continue to improve the riparian already agreed to by the Melbourne 3000 Victorian Government Future Small Local open and linear open space function open space around the central grid rather space associated with values of Moonee Ponds Creek Residents: than within it.New The Small inherent Local open strength space the Elizabeth Street/ accessible to the nearby population Victoria Street • 2011 (21,080) of the larger open spaces around the Provide new Small intersection redesign grid will continueNew to Small be Local the open main space areas Local open spaces New Local open space already through the core agreed to by the Victorian • 2026 (35,264) of open space foralready this agreed community to by the into Government Victorian Government area of the central Investigate the the future. Gardens and forecourts to Future open space link to grid that form potential to secure Workers: buildings have formedhave a more an interactive integral part green oases and at least part of the edge with the Harbour New Municipal open space encourage people church grounds • 2011 (223,326) of the public realm,including and different more levelspublic to provide structured and to spend time as public open of access to the water unstructured sport and open spaces in this form is encouraged outside • 2026 (323,885) space, as part recreation facilities for through the central Newcity local as openit continues space of the future the community to intensify. This is toalready accommodate agreed to by the an network Victorian Government expanding community of workers and of green New Local open space already walking distance access Review the design to oases agreed to by the Victorian Gap Analysis residents in Melbourne 3000. There will to existing open space (gaps shown better meet the local within the Government also be an increasing numbercommunity needsof small central grid in white) green oases provided as retreat spaces New Local open space connected to public open within the central city grid. These spaces space along the Yarra River and will not interrupt the strength and value complement the facilities in Point Park of the grid but expand on the existing New Small Local open space highly valued public open spaces such within easy walking distance as the Library Forecourt, City Square Investigate of future development with Proposed public access alongand FederationNew Small Square. Local open These space spaces opportunities access to Yarra River frontage the north bank of the Yarra River within easy access of the to provide for connectivity between Collins Landing willand encouragecommunity people between outdoors Wurundjeri close to Small Local proposed new open spaces Way and the railway Provide public open space where they live and work and provide open space as along the south bank of New Local open space alreadyplaces to pause,Complete observe the upgrade and works rest. green oases in the Yarra RiverDiagram key (Refer also to page 12)agreed to by the VictorianThe green character will be driven by the central grid Provide additional Small open spaces through Government at the intersection in these major the core area of the central grid that form Sub–precinct for proposed Localof Collins and Bourke Streetssustainable water harvesting and reuse redevelopment sites retreats and encourage people Diagram key and Small Local open space with the intention to create moist and to spend time outside Sub–precinct for proposed Local Indicative location for proposed Refer to diagram key on page 12 cool spaces in summer0 that have500m a role and Small Local open space Municipal open space for additional information.in urban heat island effect mitigation. Continue to maintain some of the informal character to Opportunity sites include church grounds this openCity of space Melbourne in any Open future Space Strategy and others are to be identified as major redevelopment, particularly sites redevelop across the central city, the open grassed areas, and particularly where they are located with protect the space from further overshadowing to retain roads to the north and west, minimising sunlight access to the north overshadowing from adjoining built form. bank of the Yarra River
City of Melbourne Open Space Strategy
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Docklands Public Realm Plan & the Docklands Design and Construction Standards for Public Infrastructure Works.
Over the last 12 to 15 years, the Standards Public Infrastructure Docklands area has been dramatically Works (Docklands D&C Standards) Greenline deliverables transformed from a derelict wasteland is an integral companion document into a thriving waterfront destination to the Docklands Public Realm Plan. for business, residents and visitors. Docklands D&C Standards provides design life of the next level of detail for public and By 2025, Docklands is expected to private professionals to ensure the maritime works accommodate over 20,000 residents delivery of a high quality public realm The minimum design life and more than 60,000 workers, for Docklands that is consistent with for all structural maritime aiming to be a well-connected the rest of the municipality and in line elements must be 50 extension of Melbourne’s city with community expectations. years. The infrastructure centre, incorporating wonderful in total, including all piles, public spaces, waterfront vistas and Docklands D&C Standards will decking, pontoons and vibrant streetscapes. Lanes, streets, assist Melbourne City Council and associated elements, waterfront promenades, parks, developers to achieve their vision for must be designed to last a squares and forecourts will all combine Docklands by setting out mandatory minimum of 25 years with to form the Docklands public realm. technical and documentation minimal maintenance. requirements for all civil, landscape To achieve a quality public realm for and infrastructure works occurring in Docklands, overarching, long-term the Docklands public realm. Standards strategies,principles and guidelines are embedded in local laws to support are outlined in the Docklands Public the legibility, amenity, durability and Realm Plan (2012–2022). The vision for maintainability of the built fabric Docklands is guided by the following within public spaces. sCoPe design principles;
• Provide a range of public spaces and streets to support the needs of Map : Docklands Public Realm Plan - current and future populations at application Docklands Design and Key publicKey streets, public streets, spaces spaces and waterways waterways variousConstruction times s tandarof theds day and night The recommended principles and guidelines outlined in this Plan apply to all publicly andThe throughout Docklands Public the Realm year. Plan is a strategic West accessible areas in Docklands, regardless of companion document to the revised Docklands MeLBourne ownership status. The companion document,• Ensur Designe public and Construction spaces Standards respond for to e-GAte Docklands Design and Construction Public Infrastructure Works. Standards will be mandatory for all areas embedded qualities in Docklands fOOtSCRAy ROAD currently under the City of Melbourne’s The ‘Standards’ set out the mandatory DUDLey StReet control or to be transferred to the City when andtechnical ensure standards streetscapes for civil, landscape are and completed. in keepinginfrastructure with works the that willessence be owned ofor vested in the City of Melbourne. The content time period Melbourne.of the document includes detailed information 6 that apply to standard spaces, routes and 1 LA tROBe StReet This Plan applies to the period 2012–2022. street types, including: hARBOUR eSPLANADe • Design public spaces and streets DOCKLANDS DRIVe Civic Place 4 5 CentraL • design and approvals process MOONee PONDS CReeK City Currency of information that minimise pressure on non- Park Port oF 3 • functional and spatial design criteria SPeNCeR StReet Square Docklands is a dynamic and continually renewable resources and maximise MeLBourne Forecourt • approved standard materials and elements. 7 evolving urban development. This provides 2 a challenge to the currency of visual materialenvironmental values. Promenade included in this Plan. The plans and maps The Standards are a practical tool for Creek Front achieving the strategies, principles and VICtORIA hARBOUR wURUNDjeRI wAy Unbuilt shown in this document aim to communicate an 9 • Ensure all ground level interfaces BOURKe StReet appreciation of the public realm as a continuous guidelines outlined in this Plan. MeRChANt StReet Temporary Park 13 and integrated environment. All plans that enhance the character and COLLINS StReet 10 11 show future scenarios are subject to change.experience of public waterways, 8 12 20 COLLINS15 StReet streets and spaces. yARRA RIVeR 19
• Design public spac1. DeVeLoPes and Brie Fstreets 14 fLINDeRS StReet 18 StRAtEGIC GUIDANCE Develop brief for open LORIMeR StReet with high standards of comfortand 16 space or street INGLeS StReet Docklands Public realm Plan (2012) City of Melbourne/Places Victoria convenience. 17 Long-term strategies, principles and guidelines for FisHerMans BenD the design and programming of the• public Ensur realm e public spaces2. ConCePt and Design streets weSt GAte embrace publicPre-planning life. Enable review fReewAy community participation in public space design. tEChNICAL GUIDANCE 1 Moonee Ponds Creek 11 Victoria Green 3. DetaiLeD Design Existingexis publicting space public space 1 2 Western Park 12 Wharf Park Docklands Design and Construction FutureProposed public space public space • Ensure the publicApprovals realm and network 3 New Quay West Park 13 Sir John Coode Park standards for Public infrastructure Works TemporaryTemporary park public space construction drawings 4 New Quay Central Park 14 Collins Landing (City of Melbourne, 2012) within Docklands is well connected WaterwayWaterway 5 New Quay Promenade 15 Queens Warehouse Design and approvals process, approved standard ExistingMasterplan building footprint under review and provides seamless links to 6 Digital Harbour Park 16 Seafarer’s Rest Under construction/ committed materials and elements and functional and spatial 7 Harbour esplanade 17 yarras edge Promenade 4. CoMPLete Design building footprint design criteria for the public realm surrounding areas. 8 Docklands Park 18 Point Park Handover and management 9 Victoria Harbour Promenade 19 yarra’s edge Central Park Docklands Design and Construction 10 Dock Square and Bourke Dock 20 yarra’s edge West Park
Fig 2.03 Mutually reinforcing companion documents. Fig 2.04 Key public streets, spaces, and waterways.
DOCKLANDS PUBLIC REALM PLAN 02. Introduction The Greenline Implementation013 Plan 47 Page 54 of 84 PLAN THEMES AND PRINCIPLES
48 melbourne.vic.gov.au Page 55 of 84
The Greenline Implementation Plan 49 Page 56 of 84 THEMES
The following themes build on the strategic directions of the Yarra River - Birrarung Strategy and set the framework for the Design Principles that will guide the development of the Greenline.
Environment Culture Healthy ecosystems Authentic stories and experiences
The north bank of the Yarra River, Birrarung will Melbourne’s Aboriginal heritage will become be renowned as a significant ecological corridor, tangible through storytelling and creatively providing a resilient and adaptive interface embedding history and culture within the between the river and the city. Increased landscape, particularly highlighting the planting, revitalisation of the riparian edge and Aboriginal significance of the Birrarung over the introduction of water into the landscape will time. Visibility of our Aboriginal, immigration improve local biodiversity, ecological networks and maritime past will become evident through and river health. integrated design interventions and experiences to educate, celebrate and recognise Melbourne’s history. Each intervention area will speak to its unique context – highlighting the stories, histories and cultures of Melbourne.
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Place Connection Great places for people An uninterrupted journey
The public spaces along the Yarra River, Connectivity along the Northbank and between Birrarung will be revitalised and re-imagined the river and the city will be significantly through bold design interventions, reinforcing enhanced. The Greenline will reduce physical Melbourne’s civic importance on a global scale. barriers to movement, minimize modal Transformations will enhance existing values conflicts, enhance way-finding and improve and strengthen individual identity of each area. connections between existing public spaces. The Greenline will provide more generous space Compelling journeys will be created through and places of respite, as well as increasing varying landscape experiences and will enable amenity to unlock the potential of this river front opportunities to connect with the water. destination. The public space enhancements will prioritise resilient design, encourage new economies, provide opportunities for education and highlight the cultural significance of the Birrarung.
The Greenline Implementation Plan 51 Page 58 of 84 ENVIRONMENT
Healthy ecosystems
D
Ephemeral Planting/WSUD
Tree Canopy
Multilayered Planting/Vegetation Diversity
Riparian Zones
Constructed Ecological Edges 0 10m 100m 200m 500m N
The City of Melbourne Redevelopments along the river, Construction of significant port and including the Northbank, have a critical railway infrastructure, including river is facing significant role in supporting the adaptation and re-alignments and masonry river walls, environmental and climate- mitigation response to environmental was undertaken to support the fast- related challenges including challenges, and responding to the river growing city. The industrialisation and as a living entity through improving urbanisation of the river and its banks flooding, urban heating the health of the river. happened with no consideration of and habitat loss. The Yarra the impact on the natural environment Pre 1835, the lower reaches of the or the health of the river and its River, Birrarung, which was Yarra River was part of an ephemeral ecological or habitat function. formally recognised as a delta landscape with rich biodiversity. Since 1835, the river and its banks have Today, there is little or no riparian living entity in the Yarra been altered significantly by people. In habitat available for fauna in the city River Protection (Wilip- 1883, Europeans made their first major reach of the river. River edges are gin Birrarung murron) Act change to the river by demolishing primarily made up of hard materials Yarro Yarro (the falls). The Victorian and surfaces reducing the ability of 2017, is a significant natural Government and the Harbour Trust riparian land to act as a corridor for asset. One key element of removed the falls to prevent recurrent wildlife. Much of the port and rail flooding, expand the port and allow infrastructure along the Northbank recognising the river as shipping access further upstream. are physical and visual barriers for living is acknowledging The falls formed a low barrier people to access the river. The limited the leadership role of the that separated the tidal salt water opportunity to engage with the river downstream from the fresh water also means people are less likely to Traditional Custodians as above it and its removal permanently understand the river as a natural environmental advocates. altered the river’s ecology. system and recognise the river as “a single living entity”, the foundation of For most of the 20th century, the the Birrarung Act, and be able to care river and the Northbank in particular, for the river accordingly. was a functional maritime asset.
52 melbourne.vic.gov.au Page 59 of 84
D
Ephemeral Planting/WSUD
Tree Canopy
Multilayered Planting/Vegetation Diversity
Riparian Zones
Constructed Ecological Edges
Along the Northbank, climate change brings new challenges as predicted Design Principles sea level rise and increased rainfall combine to increase the severity and frequency of riverine flooding in 1. Improve river health. the low lying land next to the river. 2. Design for and mitigate impacts of Increased rainfall also means increased climate change. storm water discharge into the river. 3. Create a connected ecological Within the project area, main drains corridor. at Elizabeth Street, King Street and Spencer Street discharge directly 4. Provide opportunities for into the river with no pre-treatment, environmental education and public further compromising the river’s water interaction with the river. quality and disrupting its ecological integrity. There is an urgent and 5. Increase tree canopy cover and critical need to improve planning and vegetation to improve urban cooling. delivery of all aspects of integrated water management to address these challenges.
The Greenline will prioritise improving environmental systems and re- imagines the Northbank as a linear urban park which will support diverse, resilient, and healthy ecosystem services as well as improve the well- being of our community by providing a place of respite, and connection with nature for people in the central city.
The Greenline Implementation Plan 53 Page 60 of 84 CULTURE Authentic stories and experiences
Ceremony Site
Federation Square
West Birrarung Melbourne Marr ‘Swamp’ Customs House Banana Customs Alley Square Speakers Corner
Yarro Enterprize Yarro Park Falls Batman’s Hill
BIRRARUNG
LEGEND Seafarers
Sites of cultural significance
Sites of cultural significance
Birrarung
Narm-Jaap
0 10m 100m 200m 500m N Opportunity sites for ongoing cultural practice and interpretation
The Northbank of the source of food. The Yarro Yarro (falls) be found on the Northbank, however provided an important crossing point this is currently not evident to visitors. Yarra River, Birrarung is which was dynamited in the 1880s Physical heritage assets including representative of multiple by European settlers, dramatically railway and maritime infrastructure layers of heritage and altering the river. Other significant are under appreciated and their elements of the pre-contact river importance is not recognised. culture. While the river landscape that have been removed landscape includes a myriad or significantly altered including the The important stories of the wetlands and Batman’s Hill. Marking Northbank’s history are not of significant sites, they the transition from pre- to post- adequately represented in either the do not express or work contact, John Fawkner’s ship ‘The current built or natural environment. effectively to ‘tell the stories’ Enterprize’ landed close to Enterprize Park. Important early Colonial heritage Culture is not only about the past. of the rivers history and sites also exist along the Northbank Melbourne is a place of diversity, culture. including Princes Bridge and the made up of many cultural groups. The Immigration Museum (former Customs Northbank currently lacks places that For centuries, the Northbank has been House), where many immigrants to provide opportunities for the ongoing a place of significance. Pre-contact, Melbourne first landed. cultural practices of these groups. the Northbank of the Yarra River, Birrarung was a critical meeting place As well as important cultural sites, Importantly, Aboriginal culture and for the people of the Eastern Kulin there are many places along the heritage is an under represented layer Nation. The riverbanks were adjoined Northbank that speak to a more recent in the city and in the contemporary by tea tree scrub (known as Narm- past, to the current time and to the river landscape. The Northbank is Jaap). This area was rich in ecological future. Traces of much of the narrative an important place for Traditional diversity which meant it was a key of Melbourne and it’s evolution can Owner Groups. Although at present,
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Ceremony Site
Federation Square
West Birrarung Melbourne Marr ‘Swamp’ Customs House Banana Customs Alley Square Speakers Corner
Yarro Enterprize Yarro Park Falls Batman’s Hill
BIRRARUNG
LEGEND Seafarers
Sites of cultural significance
Sites of cultural significance
Birrarung
Narm-Jaap
Opportunity sites for ongoing cultural practice and interpretation
Map reference: Hoddle Grid Heritage Review representation of the past, present and emerging Aboriginal culture is difficult Design Principles to interpret and the Greenline provides an opportunity to address this. 1. Provide opportunities for the ongoing With so much of the story of practice and celebration of Aboriginal Melbourne’s evolution present along culture. the Northbank, a unique opportunity exists to tell this story along the 2. Recognise and reflect the many Greenline. As well as looking to the cultural narratives and values past, the Greenline must also provide associated with the Yarra River, space to celebrate culture now and Birrarung. into the future. 3. Enhance the unique character of the The many stories of Melbourne Northbank by celebrating the existing should be represented throughout heritage assets. the Greenline. It is important that the stories of the Traditional Owners are the foundational narratives which all other stories connect to. The Northbank provides an ideal setting to make visible the important stories of the Aboriginal people of Melbourne.
The Greenline Implementation Plan 55 Page 62 of 84 PLACE
Great places for people
02 05 03 01 06 04 06 06 07 08 23 09 13 12 10 22 15 14 11 15 16
22 17 19
18 18 18
21 LEGEND 20 Major Cultural and Educational Hub - Minor Cultural Space - Major Cultural Space - Economic activation and revitalisation - 01 Ecology and integrated water management 07 Community activation 13 Education and story telling 19 Retail and hospitality opportunity
Key Entry Node - Minor Cultural Space - 02 Education and story telling 08 Nodal art-peice - 14 Education and story telling through flora/fauna 20 Major local park and education - Community activation and waiting area Maritime narrative
03 Bar and Vaults - 09 Bar and Vaults 15 Major location for river story-telling - 21 Wharf-side respite - Economic activation with key dining presence Economic activation with key evening presence Education and art Park and local activation
04 Bridge Undercroft - 10 Active Riverside - 16 Birrarung education node - 22 Wharf Engagement - Performance and art Cultural and ecological node Education and place-making Community activation and ecological hub
Major Greenline Gateway - Yarro Yarro Interpretation - Outlook over the river - Major ecological and environmental destination 05 Welcoming wayfinding and story telling 11 17 23 Cultural and art Respite over the Birrarung 0 10m 100m 200m 500m N Riverside Engagement - Key Entry Node - Social gathering location - 06 Economic activation and key movement location 12 Education, art and story telling 18 Respite, play and wonder
Northbank’s character has Melbourne’s development has Much of the Northbank remains poorly historically turned its back on the activated and underutilised. This been shaped by its history river with many of the city’s major exacerbates anti-social behaviour, and changing use over abattoirs, carparks and heavy impacting on peoples sense of the past 200 years. As the industrial sites interfacing with the safety and security. By improving the Northbank. In recent decades, the City condition of surrounding streets and population of Melbourne of Melbourne has transformed some spaces, “eyes on the street” may assist continues to grow, so too precincts on the river’s edge into key in the perception of safety for users civic destinations such as Southbank, within these public open spaces. does the need for high Birrarung Marr and Federation Square. quality public open space These spaces are highly successful As the population increases within the for people and an enhanced in hosting major civic events central city and further development and celebrations, and are known brings more visitors to Melbourne Northbank. internationally for their place-value. there is a growing demand for quality However, much of the Northbank still public open spaces within this highly The Northbank is identifiable by its requires significant improvement to visible waterfront precinct. The distinctive features of parks, bridges, achieve their potential as great open Greenline project has the ability to vaults, railway viaduct structures spaces for residents, workers and transform the quality of the river, and numerous historical sites. It is visitors. providing new and exciting spaces important to respond and celebrate for visitors and locals. Investment these aspects while ensuring they While the evolution of the site over into quality open spaces will can support contemporary public time is a unique narrative, it also ensure the Northbank of the Yarra open space needs. It is vital to brings a range of challenges. The River, Birrarung is considered an Melbourne’s economy that the Yarra general presentation of the Northbank international river destination. River continues to emerge as a vibrant is compromised by the elevated and creative destination, unique to rail viaducts which create loud, The revitalisation of the Northbank Melbourne. overshadowed and seemingly leftover needs to balance public access to the spaces. Arterial roads make access to river front with commercial activation the river and open spaces difficult for and events. people.
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02 05 03 01 06 04 06 06 07 08 23 09 13 12 10 22 15 14 11 15 16
22 17 19
18 18 18
21 LEGEND 20 Major Cultural and Educational Hub - Minor Cultural Space - Major Cultural Space - Economic activation and revitalisation - 01 Ecology and integrated water management 07 Community activation 13 Education and story telling 19 Retail and hospitality opportunity
Key Entry Node - Minor Cultural Space - 02 Education and story telling 08 Nodal art-peice - 14 Education and story telling through flora/fauna 20 Major local park and education - Community activation and waiting area Maritime narrative
03 Bar and Vaults - 09 Bar and Vaults 15 Major location for river story-telling - 21 Wharf-side respite - Economic activation with key dining presence Economic activation with key evening presence Education and art Park and local activation
04 Bridge Undercroft - 10 Active Riverside - 16 Birrarung education node - 22 Wharf Engagement - Performance and art Cultural and ecological node Education and place-making Community activation and ecological hub
Major Greenline Gateway - Yarro Yarro Interpretation - Outlook over the river - Major ecological and environmental destination 05 Welcoming wayfinding and story telling 11 17 23 Cultural and art Respite over the Birrarung
Riverside Engagement - Key Entry Node - Social gathering location - 06 Economic activation and key movement location 12 Education, art and story telling 18 Respite, play and wonder
Incorporating public art will ensure story-telling and narrative will be Design Principles embedded in the Greenline, providing a linear journey as well as a cohesive series of individual spaces. 1. Create spaces that embrace the river context.
The Northbank will be a place 2. Sustain the Yarra River, Birrarung as a primarily with distinctive, locally authentic public place. character which reflects the diverse 3. Prioritise safety and inclusion. histories of the site. Existing heritage infrastructure such as the Banana Alley 4. Balance a consistent identity, with a series of Vaults, Signal Building and existing diverse offers. rail viaducts provide a tangible opportunity to provide spaces which 5. Improve the city’s environmental resilience. are authentically Melbourne. 6. Provide amenity and experiences that support While the existing landscape character community health and well being. in areas is comprised of plane trees 7. Provide high quality places for people. and hardstand surfaces, there is an opportunity to respond to theunique river front setting througha consistent visual language whichconnects the disparate segments of the Northbank.
Transformation of the Northbank and the creation of the Greenline has the potential to uplift undervalued areas of the central city, providing a more desirable location to rest, play and wonder.
The Greenline Implementation Plan 57 Page 64 of 84 CONNECTION An uninterrupted journey
D
Primary Greenline path Primary entry points
Secondary path Secondary entry points
Key crossings - to be Connections upgraded
Future links - by Future protected cycle others lane 0 10m 100m 200m 500m N
The Northbank of the Yarra Movement along the River is also users in a limited space sometimes challenging as all the major streets and creates conflicts and negatively River, Birrarung offers a bridges which cross the Northbank impact the safety and experience unique setting, linear in prioritises car movement over of the Northbank. The Yarra River nature. It’s undulating and pedestrians and cyclists. The poor Birrarung Strategy and the Transport physical condition of footpaths, limited Strategy propose the provision of varied landscape is a key universal accessibility, and the lack of protected cycle lanes on Flinders drawcard for many users coherent way-finding and signage all Street for commuter cyclists and make this problem worse. the Northbank as a “slow space” for wishing to both enjoy the recreational cyclists to manage this river, and to use the corridor There are actual and perceived safety conflict. issues along the Northbank, with some to connect with other areas being of more concern than While the existing Northbank path destinations. others. Poor visibility, lack of adjacent is next to the River, it provides little activation, limited passive surveillance, opportunity to connect with the River Despite the attraction of the river, insufficient lighting all contribute to or with the site’s rich cultural and there are many issues that currently this issue. historic context. hinder access to and movement along the Northbank. There is a real opportunity to The Greenline will be a continuous, transform the fragmented and uninterrupted journey along the Connectivity from the CBD to the underutilised existing paths into a Northbank with a unique identity that Northbank is currently poor. Overhead clear walking and cycling connection. celebrates it’s context. rail infrastructure and vehicle traffic on Flinders Street separate the The Northbank is part of the Capital This path must connect seamlessly Northbank from the CBD both visually City Trail and is currently used by to the CBD, and link existing, new and physically. Many of the streets that both pedestrians and cyclists. These and future places and destinations. lead to the Northbank are unpleasant users groups have different spatial The Northbank is well positioned to for pedestrians. requirements as a result of diffferent provide this link. travels speeds and movement patterns. The differences between
58 melbourne.vic.gov.au Page 65 of 84
D
Primary Greenline path Primary entry points
Secondary path Secondary entry points
Key crossings - to be Connections upgraded
Future links - by Future protected cycle others lane
Design Principles
1. Create a continuous, uninterrupted journey along the river edge.
2. Improve opportunities to visually and physically connect to the river and the Northbank
3. Better connect the Northbank into the streets of the central city
4. Provide safe, inclusive and universally accessible connections
5. Enhance conditions for pedestrians and recreational cyclists
The Greenline Implementation Plan 59 Page 66 of 84 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
To support the planning and delivery of the Greenline program, a series of precincts has been identified. These precincts reflect land management, activity and character attributes. The Greenline will be implemented through key improvements, coordination and advocacy along the length of the Northbank of the Yarra River, Birrarung within the following five precincts: • Birrarung Marr • Yarro Yarro • River Park • Maritime • Salt Water Wharf
60 melbourne.vic.gov.au Page 67 of 84
The Greenline Implementation Plan 61 Page 68 of 84 BIRRARUNG MARR PRECINCT
Vision
An enhanced civic and cultural precinct acts as a gateway to the Greenline. Indigenous culture and Melbourne’s unique ecology is visibly and boldly celebrated through the design of the landscape. A re-imagined edge provides an activated river frontage adjacent to Federation Square and Flinders Street Station.
Priorities Unlocking Actions
• Continue to engage meaningfully • Connect the existing sports, • Provide universal access from and respectfully with the Traditional cultural, arts and transport upper to lower promenade Custodians at all stages of the destinations with the Greenline. • Work with land owners and project. • Provide increased space for managers on improvements to • Work with the Traditional pedestrians along the rivers edge. public space Custodians to ensure the cultural • Provide places to pause and enjoy • Consider current and future events narrative of the River is celebrated the rivers edge. as the precinct develops and embedded into the project delivery process and built outcome. • Enhance riparian greening along the Birrarung Marr rivers edge. • Provide places for Aboriginal cultural practice and ceremony. • Improve access from Flinders Street into Birrarung Marr. • Create a city gateway and prominent entry to the Greenline
Key improvements
Expanded Promenade Flinders Walk Improvements Swanston Street Tram Stop 1 3 b • Improve pedestrian • Improve interface between • Consider access and way- and recreational cyclist Flinders Walk, Flinders Street finding improvements from connections along the River. Station and Princes Bridge. existing Swanston Street tram stop to the Greenline. • Improve visual and physical • Resolve conflicts between connections to the River. pedestrians and recreational • Integrate with future cyclists at existing pinch Swanston Street tram stop. • Investigate ecology and points. habitat improvements. Flinders Street • Improve universal access c • Coordinate with pedestrian Ecological Edge from Swanston Street to the 2 and cycling upgrades to • Improve ecology and habitat River. Flinders Street. value of river edge and park interface with Birrarung Marr. • Improve pedestrian and recreational cycling • Plan and commence Coordination and advocacy connections between Flinders implementation of tree Street and the Greenline. succession in existing tree a Flinders Street Station avenues, including soil re- • Coordinate with VicTrack and Federation Square mediation as required. PTV station operations and d • Advocate for improved access requirements. • Enhance visibility to, and connections between engagement with the river • Coordinate with future Federation Square and the edge. plans for the Station’s River. redevelopment. Russell Street Connection • Consider access and way- e • Advocate for improved visual finding improvements from and physical connections, the train station to the and improved greening Greenline. from Russell Street to the Greenline and the River.
62 melbourne.vic.gov.au Page 69 of 84
Russell Street
g
Swanston Street
h Batman Avenue c
d e f
Flinders Street a b
j 2 3 1
Princes Bridge
i
St Kilda Road
Alexandra Avenue 0 10m 50m 100m 200m N
f Federation Square East • Coordinate with future plans. for Federation Square East Next steps g Treasury Square »» Engage with Traditional • Coordinate with future Custodians, RAP determination plans for Treasury Square and Aboriginal Stakeholders development. (Birrarung Willam). »» Engage with land owners h Rail Corridor and managers on potential • Coordinate with future plans improvements. for the rail corridor. »» Interface with Parks Victoria i Bridge Link assets including berthing • Investigate a bridge to operations at Federation Wharf. improve pedestrian and »» Interface with Melbourne Water cycle access across the assets including Elizabeth Birrarung. Street main drain outfall. j Draft Birrarung Marr Master Plan »» Investigate heritage impacts of by City of Melbourne works interfacing with Princes • Incorporate opportunities Bridge and Flinders Street identified in the Draft Station. Birrarung Marr Master Plan. »» Undertake climate impact and asset vulnerability assessment.
The Greenline Implementation Plan 63 Page 70 of 84 YARRO YARRO PRECINCT
Vision
Indigenous, maritime and immigration histories are revealed through artistic interpretations and adaptive re-use of physical assets. Major landscape interventions will transform Enterprize Park into a space of natural respite and an Aboriginal cultural destination for the Central City. The addition of high quality activation opportunities will draw increased visitation to this precinct.
Priorities Unlocking actions • Continue to engage meaningfully • Improve space for pedestrians • Redefine existing edge between and respectfully with the Traditional along the rivers edge. upper and lower promenade at Custodians at all stages of the • Create connections between the Flinders Walk. project. varying levels of the rivers edge . • Work with land owners and • Work with the Traditional • Unify and integrate existing and managers on improvements to Custodians to ensure the cultural new public open spaces . public space. narrative of the River is celebrated • Create a continuous pedestrian • Upgrade pedestrian crossing at and embedded into the project connection. Queens Bridge Street. delivery process and built outcome. • Advocate for the activation of • Investigate realignment of vehicle • Celebrate the cultural narrative of existing heritage assets carriageways. the River including the site of Yarro • Incorporate water sensitive. urban Yarro (the Falls). design approach to the Enterprize • Resolve conflicts between service Park and surrounds. vehicle access, pedestrians and cyclists. Key improvements
Upper Promenade Banana Alley and Lower Customs Square 1 3 5 • Investigate opportunities for Promenade • Improve street level economic activation. • Investigate opportunities for pedestrian and recreational • Enhance pedestrian public realm improvements cyclist connections across experience to Flinders Street and potential to rationalise Queens Bridge Street along Station and Elizabeth Street parking. the river front. underpass. • Separate service vehicles from • Improve access and way- • Improve physical and visual public activity. finding to the Immigration connections between the • Improve existing berthing Museum and Market Street upper and lower promenade. facilities and investigate Park. • Resolve pedestrian and opportunities for river based • Coordinate with proposed recreational cyclist conflicts activities. tram stop works. and existing pinch points. • Investigate opportunities for • Investigate short to medium term project or activation Signal recreational or health and 2 well being activities that opportunities in existing open • Investigate opportunities for complement the adjacent space. additional activation which is existing business. complementary to the Signal • Investigate long term removal creative studio and program • Improve pedestrian and of William Street S Bend to . recreational cyclist experience expand and upgrade Customs of Lower Promenade. Square. • Improve ecological and Enterprize Park/Turning Basin 6 habitat value. • Improve existing open space. 4 Yarro Yarro Interpretation • Improve access and way- • Investigate opportunities for finding from surrounding cultural interpretation and a streets. memorable landscape or art • Investigate ecology and installation at the site of the habitat improvements. Yarro Yarro (the Falls) on both • Improve river edge path sides of the river. capacity and interaction with river. 64 melbourne.vic.gov.au Page 71 of 84
Queen Street
Market Street
Flinders Street
Williams Street d b Flinders Lane
c 1 2 a 5 3
6 4 Sandridge Bridge e Southbank Promenade
0 10m 50m 100m 200m N Queens Bridge Street
Key Cultural Precinct c Flinders Street Station • Areas 4, 5 and 6, as well • Coordinate with VicTrack as areas on the Southbank and PTV regarding current Next Steps will involve significant station operations and access »» Engage with Traditional engagement with Traditional requirements.. Custodians and RAP Owner groups. The brief and • Coordinate with The Victorian determination. experience of this precinct Government and land owners will be shaped by Traditional and managers on any future »» Interface with land owners Owner aspirations, and will plans for the Station’s and managers on potential recognise cultural values and redevelopment. improvements. significance. • Consider access and way- »» Undertake climate impact Coordination and advocacy finding improvements from and asset vulnerability the train station to the assessment. a Banana Alley Vaults Greenline. • Coordinate with land owners on any future plans and d Market Street South changes. • Advocate for further public realm expansion’ • Advocate for improvements to highlight the historical e Melbourne Aquarium significance of the Banana • Advocate for improved Alley heritage structures. interfaces and active frontages along the streets Flinders Street b and the River. • Coordinate with pedestrian and cycling upgrades to • Improve interface with Flinders Street. Enterprize Park. • Improve pedestrian and • Investigate opportunities recreational cycling for improved connections connections between Flinders and interface between the Street and the River. Melbourne Aquarium and river.
The Greenline Implementation Plan 65 Page 72 of 84 RIVER PARK PRECINCT
Vision
The re-imagined local park provides a place of respite, exploration, play and wonder for city workers and residents. A resilient landscape approach integrates seasonal inundation as an exciting, changing wetland experience.
Priorities Unlocking actions
• Continue to engage meaningfully • Improve the legibility of pedestrian • Projected flood modelling and respectfully with the Traditional pathways and interconnections • Upgrade pedestrian crossing at Custodians at all stages of the with adjacent precincts and the King Street project. central city. • Upgrade pedestrian crossing at • Work with the Traditional • Provide areas of respite and Spencer Street Custodians to ensure the cultural social connection for workers and narrative of the River is celebrated residents of all ages. and embedded into the project • Provide elements of play, delight delivery process and built outcome. and curiosity in an immersible river landscape . • Work with topography, vegetation and integrated water management • Mitigate the impacts of rail approaches to enhance the infrastructure on open space landscape resilience to climate amenity. change. • Provide opportunities for increased safety, amenity and activation.
Key improvements Coordination and advocacy
King Street Crossing 1 3 Spencer Street Crossing a Flinders Street • Improve King Street crossing • Improve Spencer Street • Coordinate with pedestrian to prioritise pedestrian crossing to prioritise and cycling upgrades to movement including pedestrian movement Flinders Street. potential signal relocation. including potential signal • Improve pedestrian and • Investigate opportunity for relocation. recreational cycling footpath expansions by • Improve access and way- connections between reducing traffic lane widths. finding from pedestrian Flinders Street and the River. 2 Batman Park crossing towards the River • Enhance Batman Park as a and adjacent open spaces. b Railway Infrastructure public open space to serve • Advocate for mitigation of • Provide a safe recreational the surrounding community. rail viaduct impacts on the cycling connection from future park e.g. noise reduction. • Improve ecological and Flinders Street cycle lanes to habitat value. Siddeley Street and the River • Ensure compatible front. programming and use of open space, and investigate 4 Rebecca Walk Next steps long term use of heritage • Work with VicTrack and pump house building. Rebecca Walk management »» Engage with Traditional on activation opportunities Custodians and RAP • Provide opportunities to integrated with park uses and determination. experience the rivers edge experiences. • Investigate opportunities for »» Undertake climate impact recreational or health and • Investigate opportunities and asset vulnerability well being activities. to mitigate rail viaduct assessment. impacts on the park e.g. noise reduction. »» Coordinate with asset owners and authorities.
66 melbourne.vic.gov.au Page 73 of 84
Spencer Street Flinders Street
a
b 1 4
Wurundjeri Way 2
3
Siddeley Street King Street Bridge Street King
Spencer Street Bridge
Yarra Promenade
0 10m 50m 100m 200m N
Existing site conditions
The Greenline Implementation Plan 67 Page 74 of 84 MARITIME PRECINCT
Vision
Seafarers Rest Park provides a new public space that reveals Melbourne’s significant maritime heritage. The enhanced pedestrian and cycling connections allow for easier and more enjoyable travel into the CBD, Docklands and Southbank.
Priorities Key improvements Coordination and advocacy
• Continue to engage meaningfully 1 World Trade Centre Waterfront a Melbourne Quarter Connection and respectfully with the Traditional • Work with adjacent property • Advocate for improved Custodians at all stages of the owners to improve access and connection across Flinders project. way-finding to and along the Street to Melbourne Quarter. river. • Work with the Traditional b Siddeley Street Developments • Work with adjacent property Custodians to ensure the cultural • Investigate opportunities owners and business to narrative of the River is celebrated to coordinate with private improve management of and embedded into the project developments to improve the water front spaces for public delivery process and built outcome. public realm. use. • Unify disparate public open spaces c Mission to Seafarers and improve legibility of pedestrian 2 Siddeley Street connections on the waters edge. • Develop streetscape design • Investigate opportunities with for Siddeley Street that The Victorian Government • Improve public and private prioritise active transport for future redevelopment interfaces along the river. and tree canopy coverage of this building as a visitor • Improve recreational cycling to inform and guide destination. connections through the precinct development outcomes. including the Capital City Trail. Seafarers Rest Park and Seafarers • Create a new park destination. 3 development • Provide opportunities for greening, • Coordinate with the developer vegetation and creation of to deliver new open space. constructed ecological edges. • Coordinate with future private • Celebrate cultural maritime history development and with The through interpretation. Victorian Government plans for Mission to Seafarers. • Provide infrastructure to support small local events. 4 Docklands Link • Improve access and way- Next Steps finding to existing spaces »» Engage with Traditional • Improve pedestrian and cyclist Custodians and RAP crossing across Navigation determination. Drive from Jim Stynes Bridge towards Harbour Esplanade »» Undertake climate impact and (Capital City Trail). asset vulnerability assessment • Resolve conflicts between »» Explore options for enhanced pedestrian and recreational uses of the Missions to cyclists at intersections on the Seafarers building. existing shared paths. • Maintain and enhance »» Explore potential for ecological value of the private developments to riparian edge to the river and contribute to the public realm connections to Docklands improvements. Park. »» Support the adjoining developer’s implementation of Seafarers Rest Park.
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Spencer Street
Collins Street Aurora Lane
Village Street
Batman Hill Drive
Harbour Esplanade a
Spencer Street Bridge
b 2
c Wurundjeri Way 4
Webb Bridge 3 1 Seafarers Bridge Charles Grimes Bridge
South Wharf Promenade
0 10m 50m 100m 200m N
Existing site conditions
The Greenline Implementation Plan 69 Page 76 of 84 SALT WATER WHARF PRECINCT
Vision
A new park at the end of the wharf provides a ecological d focused destination with sweeping views of the Port, Victoria Harbour and the city. Adaptive reuse of the control tower 4 recognises the industrial and port history of the area. b
Priorities 3 d
• Continue to engage meaningfully • Enhance the river front and respectfully with the Traditional neighbourhood on the wharf Custodians at all stages of the • Create ecological park project. • Adaptive reuse of port • Work with the Traditional infrastructure Custodians to ensure the cultural narrative of the River is celebrated • Improve legibility of pedestrian and embedded into the project connections on the rivers edge delivery process and built outcome. • Acknowledge the Indigenous History including the Time of Chaos (Filling of Port Phillip Bay) 0 10m 50m 100m 200m N
Key improvements Coordination and advocacy
1 Australian Wharf 4 Eco Park a Seafarers and Adela Lanes • Investigate opportunity to • Provide new public, ecological • Advocate for improved improve the existing wharf park as part of future private pedestrian and recreational experience . development (by others). cycling connections between adjacent streets to the River. • Investigate ecology and • Prioritise ecology and habitat improvements. strengthen ecological links to • Investigate opportunities to Moonee Ponds Creek. improve signage and way- • Improve signage and way- finding. finding. • Protect views to Melbourne Port and back to the city. • Work with Development b Collins Wharf Victoria to co-ordinate • Connect people with the • Investigate opportunities berthing requirements for water, including investigating to coordinate with private chartered boats. opportunities to provide for developments to improve the fishing and boating. public realm. 2 Community Green • Provide new public park • Retain the maritime character c Collins Street Bridge as part of future private including protecting the • Coordinate with authorities development (by others). rock edge and remnant on any future pedestrian, navigational light structures. cyclist and tram bridge Collins Wharf Promenade connection to Fisherman’s 3 • Encourage mixed land-use • Provide new pedestrian and Bend. activation to the edge of the recreational cyclist promenade park. (by others). d Western Park/Yarra’s Edge • Restore the existing control Connection • Improve connections to the tower and investigate • Accommodatea future River. opportunities for adaptive re- connection to Moonee Ponds • Investigate ecology and use of this building. Creek and Fisherman’s Bend. habitat improvements. • Limit vehicle access to maintenance/service vehicles only. • Provide informal play opportunities.
70 melbourne.vic.gov.au Page 77 of 84
Victoria Harbour Promenade Navigation Drive
2 Bourke Street
Import Lane North Wharf Road
Seafarers Lane
a a Collins Street
1
River Esplanade
c
Next steps Existing site conditions
»» Engage with Traditional Custodians and RAP determination. »» Engage with developer and Development Victoria »» Consider development timing and delivery of public realm works. »» Undertake climate impact and asset vulnerability assessment.
The Greenline Implementation Plan 71 Page 78 of 84 THEMES AND PRINCIPLES SUMMARY
Theme Principle
En1 Improve river health
En2 Create a connected ecological river corridor
Environment En3 Provide opportunities for environmental education and public interaction with the river
En4 Increase canopy cover and vegetation to improve cooling
En5 Design for and mitigate impacts of flooding and sea level rise
Provide a platform for the ongoing practice and celebration of aboriginal culture along Cu1 the river
Reveal the many and layered cultural narratives and values associated with the Yarra Culture Cu2 River, Birrarung
Enhance the unique character of the Northbank by celebrating the existing heritage Cu3 assets
Pl1 Create spaces that embrace the river context
Pl2 Sustain the Yarra River, Birrarung as a primarily public place
Pl3 Balance a consistent identity, with a series of diverse offers Place Pl4 Provide amenity and experiences that support community health and wellbeing
Pl5 Provide high quality places for people
Pl6 Prioritize safety and inclusion
Co1 Create a continuous, uninterrupted journey along the river edge
Co2 Improve opportunities to visually and physically connect to the river and the Northbank
Connection Co3 Better connect the Northbank into the streets of the Central City
Co4 Provide safe, inclusive and universally accessible connections
Co5 Enhance conditions for pedestrians and recreational cyclists Page 79 of 84 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN SUMMARY
Stakeholders / Timeline for Precinct Project Cost Principles Partnerships Delivery Parks Victoria/Melbourne Co1, Co2, Co4, Co5, Pl2, Expanded Promenade Short Medium Water Pl6 Parks Victoria/Melbourne En1, En2, En3, Pl1, Pl4, Birrarung Marr Ecological Edge Short Low Water Pl6, Pl7 Flinders Walk Parks Victoria/Vic Track Medium Medium Co2, Co4, Co5 Improvements
Upper Promenade Parks Victoria/Vic Track Medium Medium Co1, Co2, Co3, Co4, Pl5
Signal Vic Track Medium Low Pl1, Pl5
Banana Alley and Parks Victoria/Melbourne Cu2, Cu3, Pl1, Pl3, Pl4, Medium High Lower Promenade Water/Vic Track Pl5, Co1, Co4, Co5 Yarro Yarro Yarro Yarro Parks Victoria/Melbourne Medium Medium Cu1, Cu2 Interpretation Water
Customs Square Vic Track/DoT Medium High Co1, Co2, Co3, Co4, Co5
Enterprize Park and Parks Victoria/Melbourne En1, En2, En3, Pl1, Pl2, Medium High the Turning Basin Water/Vic Track Pl4, Pl6
King Street Crossing DoT Short Medium Co1, Co2, Co4, Co5
Parks Victoria/Melbourne En4, En5, Pl1, Pl2, Pl4, Batman Park Short High Water Pl5, Pl6, Co2 River Park Spencer Street DoT Short Medium Co1, Co2, Co3, Co4, Co5 Crossing
Rebecca Walk Vic Track Medium Low Pl3, Pl5
World Trade Centre Asset 1 - Riverlee Short Low Co1,Co2, Co4, C05 Waterfront
Siddeley Street DoT/Developers Medium Medium Pl5, Pl6, Co4, Co5 Maritime Seafarers Rest Park Asset 1 - Riverlee Short Low En3, En4, Pl5, and development Parks Victoria/Melbourne Docklands Link Short Low Co5 Water Development Victoria/ Australian Wharf Medium By others En2, Pl1, Lendlease Development Victoria/ Wharf Park Long By others Pl1, Pl4, Pl5 Salt Water/ Lendlease Wharf Collins Wharf Development Victoria/ Long By others Co2, Co5 Promenade Lendlease North Wharf Point Development Victoria/ En1, En2, En3, Pl1, Pl2, Long By others Park Lendlease Pl4, Pl6 Page 80 of 84 IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
pre 2020 2021 2022 2023
Greenline Program Birrarung Act 2017 Initiation Draft Greenline Implementation Plan
Yarra River Birrarung Stakeholder and community engagement Strategy December Targeted Greenline 2019 Stakeholder Engagement Coordination, engagement and advocacy to land owners, developers, and authorities for projects
Birrarung Marr Precinct
Final Greenline Expanded Promenade Implementation Plan Ecological Edge
Flinders Walk
Yarra River Birrarung Strategy
Greenline Development
Greeline Delivery/Coordination
YRBS Development Greenline Development Greenline Implementation Delivery
74 melbourne.vic.gov.au Page 81 of 84
2024 2025 2026 2027 2028
Stakeholder and community engagement
Coordination, engagement and advocacy to land owners, developers, and authorities for projects
Expanded Promenade
Ecological Edge
Flinders Walk
River Park Precinct
Kings Bridge crossing and Spencer Street crossing
Batman Park redevelopment
Reactivation of the viaduct at Rebecca Walk
Yarro Yarro Precinct
Enterprize Park, Customs Square and Turning Basin Improvements
Intersection and crossing ugrades in partnership with Department of Transport
Banana Alley and Lower Promenade Improvements
Maritime Precinct
Ongoing improvements and activation of World Trade Centre water front area
Seafarers Rest Park in collaboration with Riverlee
Saltwater Precinct
Improvements to North Wharf
Delivery of open spaces by others
The Greenline Implementation Plan 75 Page 82 of 84 NEXT STEPS
The successful delivery of a renewed central city waterfront along the Northbank will require coordination and funding across a number of different stakeholders. The first step in creating a platform for cooperation will be gaining support for the aspirational objectives as investigated within this document. Bringing the ideas of all external stakeholders together will work towards gaining the necessary encouragement for ongoing research, discussion and engagement to identify further issues and opportunities as this project evolves.
This document will be the basis for engagement with key government stakeholders including The Victorian Government, Development Victoria, Parks Victoria, VicTrack and key landowners. Responses received will be the basis for ongoing research and analysis to identify priorities and opportunities to progress implementation of improvements within the broader Greenline. The City of Melbourne in conjunction with key stakeholders, will develop a partnership implementation plan that offers direction on how we can pursue the aspiration for a connected Greenline over the next 20-50 years.
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The Greenline Implementation Plan 77 Page 84 of 84
melbourne.vic.gov.au