Open space a step closer

By Sunny Liu

The City of Melbourne is inviting the public to have its say as part of the next round of community consultation for Southbank Boulevard.  

With more than two hectares of new open space to be constructed, the City of Melbourne is taking feedback from the community until Tuesday, September 20.

Dodds St on the southern side of the Southbank Boulevard will be turned into a park, offering open lawns, new trees and children’s playgrounds. The proposed park between the ABC and Melbourne Recital Centre, will be bigger than City Square.

The public space per resident ratio in Southbank is currently one of Melbourne’s lowest, at just 2.5sqm per resident.

City of Melbourne’s environment portfolio chair, Cr Arron Wood, said Southbank residents needed more access to outdoor space.

“Our plan to transform the boulevard will ensure that nearby residents and workers are able to enjoy more open spaces for recreation, to meet each other and for public gatherings and relaxation,” Cr Wood said.

In addition to this street-turned-park, the median strip on Southbank Boulevard will become a congregation point between the ABC, Melbourne Recital Centre and National Gallery of Victoria.

Queensbridge Square will be transformed into a community hub with basketball courts and recreational areas.

An upgraded tram super stop will be built at the entrance to Southbank Boulevard from St Kilda Rd to provide convenient transport for residents and visitors. A new 1km bike lane will also give cyclists a chance to work out and commute more safely.

To share your thoughts on the transformation of Southbank Boulevard visit www.participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/southbankboulevard to make suggestions.