$300 million community infrastructure plan for Docklands

Media Release from The Minister for Planning The Hon Matthew Guy MLC

Sunday, 15 July 2012

Planning Minister Matthew Guy and Lord Mayor Robert Doyle today unveiled a plan for $300 million in community infrastructure projects in Docklands.

This follows the Planning Minister's announcement yesterday that a new cafe, edible garden and outdoor space would be located along Harbour Esplanade. To be known as the Glass House, this temporary activation space seeks to provide the intimacy of a backyard while residents, workers and visitors to Docklands enjoy Melbourne's premiere waterfront destination.

Alongside these projects Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said that the City of Melbourne would kick-start the restoration of the historic Alma Doepel, with a proposal for the ship to be docked at Victoria Harbour, the centrepiece in the waterfront heritage precinct.

A community boating hub, oval and sporting facilities, recreational swimming pool, library and community centre, exhibition and performance spaces, running and walking tracks, and a place of worship are some of the headline projects to be delivered in Docklands over coming years as part of the Docklands Community and Place Plan (DCPP)

Mr Guy said today's announcement was a good example of the strong, long-term partnerships between state, local government and the private sector that are required to make urban renewal projects a success.

"This plan showcases projects that Places Victoria and the City of Melbourne, together with developers, private and public sectors, are committed to delivering for Docklands,"

"Although only 50 per cent has been developed to date, Docklands is already an economic hub, having attracted more than $8.5 billion of private investment," Mr Guy said.

"Docklands continues to make a significant contribution to the Victorian economy

"The last year alone has seen more than $2.4 billion worth of commercial and residential development under construction across 16 projects, including more than 1,500 dwellings" Mr Guy said.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the release of DCPP is the culmination of more than 18 months of community consultation and reflects the needs of Docklands' evolving community.

"Coupled with the recent announcement that the City of Melbourne will be the responsible planning authority for developments less than 25,000 square metres in Docklands, this package demonstrates a transition from a development stage to one focused on the community.

"We've listened to thousands of residents, workers, visitors and experts, to ensure future development in Docklands meets the needs of its people, now and into the future.

"A great example of this is the new Docklands community garden. With a fire to gather around on a cold day, a range of garden beds and fruit trees, the Docklands garden provides a great new meeting place for locals and visitors." Cr Doyle said.

For a full list of the community infrastructure initiatives to be delivered as part of the DCPP please visit: www.docklands.com 

Please find attached: Docklands Community and Place Plan and Docklands Community and Place Plan – A Guide

ENDS