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CLUEs released on rapid growth

CLUEs released on rapid growth
Sean Car

The City of Melbourne has confirmed what most already know: Southbank is growing at a rapid rate.

The council has released the latest Census of Land Use and Employment (CLUE) Southbank 2010 research and it outlines extensive growth between 2010 and the previous report in 2002.

While unemployment remains a concern for much of the country, Southbank's economy is booming, with employment increasing 30 per cent in the eight-year period. Almost half of that rise occurred in the last two years of the reported period (2008-10), up 12.2 per cent.

The report states 41,427 people are employed within Southbank as of 2010. Not surprisingly our largest employer is the arts and recreation services sector. It employs 21 per cent of all workers in Southbank.

The study also analysed floor space within Southbank and listed retail as the boom sector, growing 53 per cent in size over the eight-year period.

That result can largely be attributed to the redevelopment of South Wharf during that timeframe.

In the hospitality sector there are now almost double the number of cafes/restaurants the area than in 2002, growing from 65 to 119.

As has been well documented, the report also confirmed the large growth in residential areas of Southbank. The 2010 figure was estimated at 11,744, up 18 per cent from 2006.

Those who have been vocal about a lack of open space in Southbank will be interested to read that of the 3.3 million square metres of built space within Southbank just 12,000 square metres is classified as public open space.

Of the 15.7 per cent increase in built space, the most growth has come from indoor common areas (foyers, lifts, stairwells), residential accommodation and private carparks.

Chairman of the Future Melbourne committee and councillor Kevin Louey was encouraged by the results of the research, commenting that it proved there was great growth occurring in Southbank.

“The City of Melbourne recognises that Southbank is an evolving and thriving community. The establishment of a new community hub with a library and civic centre at the Boyd School site is going to be a great addition to the Southbank precinct, giving residents and visitors access to a range of community services,” Cr Louey said.

“The CLUE report provides us with a snapshot of Southbank, with overwhelmingly positive trends"

He also stated that the report was further proof that the area was well placed to continue to grow and evolve, saying: “The future is certainly bright for Southbank and the addition of new community infrastructure will make it even more prosperous.”

To see all the facts , figures and explanations,  the full report is available to the public at www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/CLUE.

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