Say hello to the new neighbours

Southbank is set to welcome new neighbours, with plans for the suburb of Montague announced by the City of Port Phillip last month.

Currently used for industrial purposes, the pocket of land between the West Gate freeway, City Rd and Inglis St is set to be transformed into a mix of residential, commercial and business uses. It will then house up to 25,000 people and provide opportunity for 14,000 jobs.

It's set to include an elevated parkland in an attempt to avoid the negativity around the lack of green space other built-up areas of Melbourne, such as Southbank, have had.

The parkland will run all the way from our Southbank boundary to Port Melbourne’s Station Pier.

Port Phillip Mayor Rachel Powning said her council was committed to making the new suburb a reality and was excited by the prospect.

“At just over 50 hectares, Montague is one of the biggest urban renewal projects inner Melbourne has ever seen,” Mayor Powning pointed out.

“We are creating a suburb strategically located between the CBD and other key locations, where people can work and live, and everything is within walking distance. This is a unique opportunity to create a high quality living and working environment, supported by a network of green open spaces, people friendly streets and accessible community facilities,” Cr Powning said.

One such community facility will be the facilities “hub”, set to become the focal point for community activities.

The Mayor said that, despite its location, the new suburb was not a replica of what has been produced in Southbank or other inner-city locations.

“Montague will offer a real point of difference from other renewal areas such as Docklands or Southbank. The City of Port Phillip’s plan for Montague is the culmination of nearly two years of intensive work that will deliver a rejuvenated precinct with a diverse and unique inner urban character,” Cr Powning said.

The council has been working on the plan for the new suburb since 2010 when a strategic study suggested it look at creating an inner-city growth area in the industrially used space.

The Mayor said the area had been identified by the council as part of the demand for inner-city growth around Melbourne.

“Montague, together with other areas identified in the City of Melbourne (such as Southbank) for growth, will have the capacity to accommodate 178,000 new residents. This will exceed the projected demand for dwellings in Port Phillip and Melbourne over the next 20 years.” Cr Powning said.

She also pointed out that the council will need the support of the State Government for the project to go ahead.

“We are committed to a collaborative approach to the development of Montague, and the State Government and its agencies will be essential partners in achieving this vision.”

The Montague Precinct Plan is now available for community consultation. For more information head to www.portphillip.vic.gov.au