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Promenade works pushed back

Promenade works pushed back

The City of Melbourne is delaying the start of upgrades to Southbank Promenade to ease disruption with nearby projects and prioritise the completion of Southbank Boulevard.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said on March 16 that an upgrade to the 300 metres of Southbank Promenade between the Evan Walker Bridge and Princes Bridge was originally planned to begin in early 2020, but will start in 2021.

“We know that Melbourne is experiencing an unprecedented period of construction, and we need to manage disruption appropriately,” Cr Capp said.

“The feedback we’ve heard from local businesses and residents is that they are feeling the effects of multiple projects in the area, including delays to Southbank Boulevard, and now is not the right time to commence a new project that would result in further disruption.”

“We understand there are a number of upcoming projects that could impact works on Southbank Promenade, so it’s sensible to allow these works to be completed first to minimise disruption and reduce unnecessary expense.”

The reduced disruption caused by the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) is understood to have helped pave the way for works on the $50 million Southbank Boulevard transformation to be accelerated.

As reported in previous editions of Southbank News, the project has been riddled with delays since it began in 2018 and, under current timeframes, is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

Speaking in early March, Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the City of Melbourne apologised to local residents and businesses for the ongoing delays.

“We know this project has taken too long and has been a disruption to locals, businesses and visitors to the area. We are sorry that there have been delays to this project but we know it will be worth the wait,” Cr Capp said.

“We have also learned a lot doing this project and these lessons will be used to ensure that future infrastructure projects are delivered in a more timely fashion.”

“We thank everyone who has been affected by these delays for their patience.”

“This project will create a new central boulevard for Southbank and the Arts Precinct and is a key part of delivering a greener Melbourne with new parks and open spaces.”

With roadway and tramline works along Southbank Boulevard now complete, construction is focused on creating five new open space areas between Dodds St and City Rd, with stone paving and landscaping out the front of Melbourne Recital Centre also finished.

The area in front of the ABC studios is the next major space to be upgraded this month.

“The works for the new park outside the ABC will include demolition of the disused roadway to make way for 2200 sqm of open space including lawn areas, seating, gardens and trees. This is the largest of the open space areas to be delivered as part of this project. These works will continue until December 2020,” the Lord Mayor said •

For regular updates visit melbourne.vic.gov.au/building-and-development/shaping-the-city/city-projects/southbank-boulevard

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