Columns » Southbank Residents’ Association
The Red Stairs: nearly a decade of debate
Few structures in Southbank generate as much discussion as the Red Stairs at Queensbridge Square.
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New faces, energy and initiatives at Southbank3006
While Melbourne has been enjoying sunshine and summer temperatures, a talented group of new committee members, initiatives and advocacy have been heating things up at Southbank3006.
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Designing in Southbank
One of the many stylish blocks of apartments in Southbank is situated on Wells St. Unusually, the four-storey block in a garden setting runs through to Dodds St, at the rear of the Malthouse.
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Almost 1000 new doctors in Victoria
More than 900 medical interns are beginning their careers as doctors in Victoria’s public health system this year.
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Turn Victoria Barracks into a public school – and future-proof Southbank
As a Southbank parent, I look around our neighbourhood and see cranes, apartments and density everywhere. What I don’t see is the one thing families need most: a walkable, non-selective public secondary school.
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Inner-city residents impatient for change on strata issues
A range of organisations representing inner-city residents say radical reform on strata management is urgently needed. An expert report on the subject and the government’s response to it now overdue.
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Council to scrap design competition in favour of fast-tracked Red Stairs renewal
The City of Melbourne is set to abandon its much-publicised design competition for the Red Stairs at Queensbridge Square, opting instead for an internally delivered renewal aimed at addressing safety and maintenance concerns more quickly.
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Crown unveils $200m Riverwalk overhaul as council promenade plans stall
Crown Melbourne has announced a sweeping $200 million redevelopment of its Southbank precinct, including a major revitalisation of its Riverwalk, in what it describes as the biggest transformation of the complex in almost 30 years.
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A new build-to-rent community opens in Southbank, including affordable homes for eligible renters
As renting in Melbourne becomes increasingly competitive, Indi Southbank offers a fresh, resident-centred way to rent – combining long-term rental security, thoughtfully-designed apartments, resort-style amenity and an experience built entirely around residents from day one.
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From solidarity to celebration: a busy summer for Port Phillip
While the City of Port Phillip returned to formal council meetings in early February, the past few months have been exceptionally busy as we worked with local government across Victoria to respond to the events of Bondi, heatwaves, bushfires, and flooding.
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Southgate set for management change as ESR exits precinct
The management of Southgate Melbourne will change hands at the end of February, with ESR Australia & New Zealand confirming it will conclude its role at the iconic Southbank precinct on February 28.
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Council scraps Red Stairs design competition as Southbank works shift again
A suite of long-anticipated public-realm upgrades across Southbank appears set for another reset in 2026, with the City of Melbourne quietly shelving its much-debated Red Stairs design competition and signalling renewed focus on unfinished sections of Southbank Promenade.
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Glimpse into the planning past reveals lost opportunity for Southbank
Recently released cabinet documents from the Cain and Kirner governments provide a glimpse into the early planning of some of Southbank’s major landmarks and, in the view of one expert, a reminder of “a monumental lost opportunity” for the precinct.
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“A real opportunity”: what the proposed sale of Victoria Barracks could mean for Southbank
The federal government’s release of its Defence Estate Audit has placed Melbourne’s Victoria Barracks firmly in the spotlight, identifying the historic Southbank site as part of a proposed divestment of more than 60 Defence properties nationwide.
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Recital Centre unveils intimate 2026 season in Primrose Potter Salon
Melbourne Recital Centre has unveiled its 2026 program for the Primrose Potter Salon, reaffirming the venue’s role as one of Southbank’s most intimate and artist-focused performance spaces.
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First Nations artists selected for landmark Laak Boorndap public artworks
The Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co) has announced two major First Nations public art commissions for Laak Boorndap, the expansive new urban garden taking shape at the heart of the Melbourne Arts Precinct.
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Questions linger over Fishermans Bend data centre approval
The state government’s recent approval of a major new data centre at Fishermans Bend has sharpened local debate about how rapidly expanding AI infrastructure is being assessed, and whether existing planning processes are equipped to deal with its long-term environmental and land-use implications.
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Design-forward Hannah St Hotel opens in Southbank
A new design-led hotel has quietly opened in Southbank, adding a distinctive hospitality offering to Melbourne’s arts and events precinct.
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Call-out to Southbank’s creative types
A one-off “Crafternoon” next month for anyone with an interest in making things will test enthusiasm for a regular Southbank session to be held.
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One Nation comedy “propaganda” screening causes stink at Crown
Pauline Hanson’s 85-minute animated movie, aimed at raising money and building support for One Nation, caused a small storm when it screened at Crown Casino on January 29.
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A perfect pair
Foley slams Lord Mayor over public art
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