Balancing act – residents, neighbourhoods, businesses, galleries – delivering economic growth for all

We are writing this before the outcome of the recent City of Melbourne council elections is known. No matter what the outcome, the election brought to the fore inherent tensions in the composition of Melbourne, which councillors, businesses, and the community neighbourhoods need to address. 

Melbourne serves the dual functions of a place for residents as well as a destination for businesses and venues for visitors that generate economic wealth for all Victorians.

As cities become tourist hotspots, the pressure on local neighbourhoods escalates. While tourism brings economic benefits, it can also disrupt residents’ daily lives with increased noise, rising rents, overcrowded streets, and sometimes a loss of local identity.

Cities are beginning to take measures to ensure that the influx of visitors doesn’t come at the expense of residents’ quality of life.

The danger is that residents face a struggle to have their voices heard over the clamour of commercial interests, particularly if politicians focus on the economic vibrancy of an area, seeing businesses as markers of growth and success.

Yet a neighbourhood is so much more than just commerce. To truly thrive, an area needs the balance of social and community development that focuses on residents’ quality of life, security, and well-being.

In Southbank and Melbourne, we can start to take steps to balance resident needs and wider economic interests to the benefit of all. In this way we can avoid many of the unnecessary constraints that Barcelona, Venice, and Amsterdam are using. Rather, we must create strong partnerships between the community, local businesses and visitor destinations in Southbank. 

The Arts Precinct: a case study

The Arts Precinct is part of Southbank and is a major destination hub. Home to iconic institutions like the NGV, the ABC, MTC, Recital Centre, Arts Centre concert halls, ACCA and soon The Fox: NGV Contemporary. When coupled with the Yarra River promenade restaurants and the Crown Casino, Southbank is the focus for hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. 

But to date none of the arts institutions have active engagement programs with the Southbank community. Southbank residents are like aliens to them.

Fortunately, the MAP Co team and its The Fox: NGV Contemporary project, are making impressive attempts to change that in their community engagement program during the development and building phase. 

Hopefully, when the NGV’s entrance is pivoted from St Kilda Rd to face Southbank, and The Fox: NGV Contemporary is planted in Southbank, then the NGV can learn from MAP Co and deliver what galleries such as the Tate Modern in London do to become part of the community and enable their visitors to engage with local businesses in Southbank and the Yarra Promenade, not fly in and fly out.

Impressively the Tate Modern operates as part of the local community with:

• Partnerships with community organisations with programs tailored to the neighbourhood’s needs, offering activities and workshops reflecting the diverse backgrounds and interests of the local community.
• Tate Exchange is a participatory project that turns the Tate Modern into a space for experimentation and discussion, inviting the local community to explore pressing social issues like sustainability, mental health, and social justice through art. 
• Family-friendly events and activities, such as “Start,” a free weekend program designed for families to engage in interactive art experiences together. 
• Open studio sessions and workshops led by artists and educators for local residents.

But returning to our new local government and the challenge for councillors. A neighbourhood that serves its residents well is more attractive to visitors and newcomers, creating a healthier, longer-term economic impact.

Our incoming council needs to understand that strong communities lead to desirable economic outcomes through increased tourism, higher property values, and greater civic pride. They need to invest time and resources into neighbourhoods like Southbank and Docklands because that is beneficial for the City of Melbourne’s overall prosperity.

We encourage all new councillors to visit Southbank, and to engage with residents, not just businesses, now that the campaign events are over. A day spent walking through the streets, engaging at The Boyd, shooting hoops on the basketball court, and/or talking with families in Southbank Playground will ensure that they see first-hand the real needs and the potential for meaningful community development in Southbank.

When councillors understand that a neighbourhood’s true strength lies in its residents, they’re more likely to embrace policies that support not just business growth but also the social fabric that makes a neighbourhood a home.

Join us and look for information at www.southbank3006.com •