Vision for Melbourne’s Verandah

VicUrban has unveiled plans to introduce a major new waterfront park within the heart of Docklands - transforming Harbour Esplanade into an area for relaxation and recreation by the water.

The concept has been labelled ‘Melbourne's Verandah', and is designed to truly celebrate where the water comes to Melbourne's front door.

Inspired by sites such as the banks of the Yarra River, the concept design for Harbour Esplanade aims to ensure this key area of public space becomes a central destination in its own right.

VicUrban CEO Pru Sanderson says a key objective of the Harbour Esplanade redevelopment is to optimise the public space which brings the traditional CBD to Victoria Harbour's waterfront.

‘Introducing additional green space for the community to both rest and play by the water is a major priority,' said Ms Sanderson.

‘As master developer of Docklands, we also wanted ensure the area both complemented and better connected the thriving retail and tourist offerings of NewQuay, Waterfront City and Victoria Harbour.'

‘We believe the extra green space will add to the variety of the Docklands experience, while better linking the Docklands precincts, and in turn, enhancing Docklands integration with the wider CBD,' Ms Sanderson said.

Key features of the concept designed to facilitate the public realm improvements include:
• a promenade adjacent to the water and a water deck, providing greater access to the water for recreational use
• clearly designated, separated areas for relaxation and activity
• parkland comprising gardens, open spaces and areas for water play
• a ‘sculptural verandah' providing partial shelter and shade over a pedestrian walkway
• a designated bike path
• consolidating the tram lines and road reserve within a tree-lined boulevard to allow for the additional green space
• building on Docklands' reputation as a leader in Ecologically Sustainable Design (ESD) and Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD), through introducing initiatives such as stormwater capture and re-use

The concept will be available for public comment for two weeks at the Docklands Community Hub, and workshops will be held with key stakeholders in the coming month.

The concept by Black Kosloff Knott / Taylor Cullity Lethlean drew on an initial round of community consultation held last year.

The detailed design phase will commence after this round of consultation. VicUrban will then present the plans to Government.

The Harbour Esplanade project area comprises the 700 metre length of public space between Docklands Drive to the north to Bourke Street to the south. It includes the full width of tram tracks, road reserve and footpath between the water of Victoria Harbour and the buildings fronting Harbour Esplanade (5.6Ha).

It builds on plans to redevelop the 400 metres of wharf frontage into public open space on the waterfront section of Harbour Esplanade, as announced by the State Government in 2006.

Media Release: Supplied by VicUrban