22,000m² of new open public space, including multiple neighbourhood parks, play areas and infrastructure upgrades have been completed in the City of Melbourne’s $44 million Southbank Boulevard transformation.
Canopy cover has been improved along the length of Southbank Boulevard, with the planting of more than 400 new trees across the life of the project, helping to cool local streets and combat the effects of climate change.
The final stage of the project, a new play space for children, has opened to the public alongside upgrades to landscaping, additional street furniture and bluestone paving.
Improvements have also been completed to the Southbank Boulevard roadway, alongside a safety upgrade at the City Road intersection and the installation of 1.1km of separated bike lanes.
Major improvements delivered through the Southbank Boulevard project include:
Neighbourhood Park – Kavanagh Street to Moore Street
- 110 new trees
- Street furniture including benches, picnic tables, seating
Neighbourhood Park – Fawkner Street to City Road
- 79 new trees
- Steel walkway path
- Irrigation and lighting improvements
Community Space – Sturt Street to Moore Street
- 54 new trees
- Power and communications upgrades to enable events and broadcasts
- Street furniture including picnic tables, benches and barbecues
Play Space – Fawkner Street to Kavanagh Street
- 45 new trees
- Climbable boulders, slides, swings and ladders
Arts Gateway – Dodds Street, Sturt Street and Southbank Boulevard
- 135 new trees
- Green tramway trial in conjunction with Yarra Trams
Despite being home to more than 20,000 residents, Southbank only has 2.5m² of public open space per resident.
Council’s Open Space Strategy recommends 20m² of public open space per resident.
The City of Melbourne said they were investing over $25 million over the next four years to make more green open spaces.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp thanked everyone – especially the businesses and residents – for their patience during the works.
“We’ve turned Southbank from grey to green – creating more than 22,000m² of new public open space, including two brand new parks and more than 400 new trees,” Mayor Capp said.
“The Southbank Boulevard transformation is one of the largest and most significant projects ever undertaken in the area – creating jobs and delivering a new green corridor.”
“It’s now time to sit back, relax in the park, fire up the barbecue, let the kids play and enjoy the green surrounds in the heart of Southbank.”
Feature image of new play space courtesy of the City of Melbourne.
