ad

All boulevard. No City Rd

All boulevard. No City Rd
David Schout

The two-hectare open space project on Southbank Boulevard emerged as the key winner in this year’s City of Melbourne draft budget.

The council committed a further $22.7 million to the project – its biggest ever street upgrade – which involves the creation of green space on both Southbank Boulevard and Dodds St.

The long-awaited Boyd Park was another winner in the draft budget, with $2.7 million pledged to the construction of the new community space set to start in July.

The news wasn’t so good, however, for those awaiting funding for the City Rd masterplan, with no budgetary allocation this year.

Almost two years have passed since councillors unanimously endorsed the final master plan following an extensive community consultation process in late 2015.

Yet the $40 million project to renew Southbank’s central spine is yet to be apportioned any funding. Southbank Residents Association president Tony Penna said: “We questioned the lack of funding in last year’s budget and are now certainly dismayed it has been missed for a further year.”

“The community was told in 2016 that design for the Kings Way undercroft would commence in 17/18 and an anticipated construction start date of 18/19. No budget was allocated last year for the design, so until the design is completed then construction can’t commence.”

“It would be a great disappointment to the community if it was overlooked for a further year, especially without any apparent reasoning.”

The council’s significant commitment to Southbank Boulevard signalled the importance of providing viable open space solutions in one of Melbourne’s most densely populated suburbs.

“As the city grows, so too does the need for more greenspace,” Cr Cathy Oke, chair of the environment portfolio, said.

Cr Oke said the council would also spend $7.1 million on renewal works for the city’s existing parks and gardens.

The council also targeted areas of high foot traffic in this year’s budget, pledging $1 million to streetscape improvements on Southbank Promenade, with a goal of easing congestion.

Southbank’s booming arts community also received another funding injection, with $2.2 million pledged to public art initiatives in the area.

Local cyclists will also benefit from the latest budget, with $1.1 million set aside for extensions and improvements to existing bike networks in Southbank and surrounding areas.

Join our Facebook Group
ad