The City of Melbourne has appointed a contractor to deliver the first stage of the Greenline Project, bringing the major riverfront upgrade one step closer to completion.
Symal Infrastructure has been awarded the contract to complete Site One of the Birrarung Marr precinct, kick-starting the City of Melbourne’s transformation of the north bank of the Yarra River – Birrarung.
The leading contracting business has a strong track record across a range of major infrastructure, landscaping, streetscape, bridge and water projects.
The Greenline Project will deliver a 4km riverfront promenade between Birrarung Marr and the Bolte Bridge – with five interconnected precincts creating waterfront spaces for events and community gatherings.
Site One will form part of the Birrarung Marr precinct, transforming the river’s edge from Batman Avenue to the eastern edge of Federation Square at ArtPlay – with 450m of new boardwalks, viewpoints and thriving green spaces for play and recreation.
This stage of works will create three contemporary spaces:
- The River Edge – the entrance to the Greenline Project, providing extensive pathways, new habitat for wildlife and lush green areas for play and recreation.
- The Lookout – an important place for Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung cultural celebrations, featuring an enhanced lookout along the river, additional seating and new plantings.
- The Fig Tree Boardwalk – creating a peaceful, shaded space for art, storytelling and nature with a suspended tree-lined platform and new seating.
Detailed design and early investigative works for Site One are expected to begin later this year, with major construction to follow in 2024. Two additional sites will complete the Birrarung Marr precinct at later stages of the Greenline Project.
The design for Site One is based on the precinct’s concept plan, which was developed in consultation with the community last year.
The appointment of Symal Infrastructure follows the release of the draft Master Plan for community consultation in August 2023.
City of Melbourne Lord Mayor, Sally Capp, said that Birrarung Marr will be the stunning entry point to the Greenline Project – delivering a sublime riverfront experience with lush green spaces to bring people together.
“Greenline is an unequivocally transformational project that is set to inject $1 billion into Melbourne’s economy,” Mayor Capp said.
“We’re excited to partner with Symal Infrastructure – an industry leader that will build the first stage of picturesque boardwalks, spacious promenades, event spaces and native landscapes.
“These works will set the tone for the project – creating a beautiful entry point to the Greenline Project where you can listen out for wildlife, take in expanded views along the river and immerse yourself in Melbourne’s cultural heritage and buzzing arts scene.”
City Transport, Infrastructure and Operations portfolio deputy lead, Councillor Davydd Griffiths, said that appointing a preferred contractor to develop the first section of the Greenline Project is a significant milestone in the delivery of this city-shaping project.
“Revitalising the north bank of the Yarra River – Birrarung starts here, and in years to come we can expect more than a million more visitors will enjoy new connected parks, cultural activations and riverfront dining spaces,” Cr Griffiths said.
Symal Infrastructure Executive General Manager, Matthew Gurney, said that Symal is delighted to be working together with the City of Melbourne on the Greenline Project and working in a joint venture with Aboriginal owned and operated civil contractor, Wamarra, on a culturally significant site such as Birrarung Marr.
“Symal believes in fostering partnerships today to create a better tomorrow for Melburnians,” Mr Gurney said.
Featured image: A render of the finished Greenline Project. Image: City of Melbourne.