City of Melbourne releases plan to transform Yarra River's north bank

Aiming to transform the north bank of the Yarra River - Birrarung into a vibrant promenade, attracting visitors and investment, the City of Melbourne has released concepts for its Greenline project. 

Advising that Greenline will deliver an uninterrupted journey from Birrarung Marr to the Bolte Bridge and become a premier destination for workers, tourists and residents to enjoy, Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sally Capp stated "Greenline will create one of the largest networks of green spaces in Melbourne, creating a 6 metre wide promenade – roughly the width of two traffic lanes.

“Imagine walking along the north bank of the Yarra from the MCG to Docklands as the sun sets. You meander along pedestrian boardwalks and over bridges, explore in new parks, and celebrate our Aboriginal heritage and culture. 

“Just as Southbank and Federation Square energised Melbourne at the turn of the century, Greenline will usher in a new era for our city at a time we need it most.” 

The Greenline Implementation Plan outlines how spaces along the north bank will be unlocked and reinvigorated to create a continuous 4 kilometre journey through integrated public spaces for the community, visitors and businesses. 

Planning has already begun for this major initiative, with multiple projects to be rolled out along the north bank over the coming years. 

Greenline will be distinctly Melbourne, with significant upgrades along the river including: 

• Expanding the promenade in the Birrarung Marr precinct - welcoming more visitors
• Flinders Walk improvements - better access from Swanston Street to the river and connection to Flinders Street Station 
• Upgrades to Banana Alley vaults and the lower promenade in the Yarro Yarro precinct - exploring opportunities for river based activities and creating a more welcoming space
• Creating a continuous riverside link to Docklands
• A new park at the end of the Salt Water Wharf precinct, as well as improving the Australian Wharf experience 
• Improvements to biodiversity, ecology and tree canopy cover to attract wildlife along the north bank and river edge

Aboriginal Melbourne portfolio deputy lead Councillor Dr Olivia Ball said celebrating the Aboriginal heritage of the river, and contemporary Aboriginal culture will remain at the heart of the project.

Councillor Ball noted “we’re proud to work closely with the Aboriginal community to develop this plan, and now we want to work together to build it and bring it to life.”

The final plan is the result of significant community consultation, with almost 400 people providing their feedback online, as well as several workshops with key stakeholders - including land owners, local traders and business associations.

Councillor Ball added “feedback was overwhelmingly positive and found more than half of those surveyed wanted the space to be used for exercise and recreation, as well as opportunities to enhance greening and improve the environmental health of both the riverbank and the river itself.”

The Lord Mayor said the project could reignite the CBD and play a key role in the city’s economic recovery, as tourists add Greenline to their Melbourne holiday list, concluding “forecasting shows Greenline is anticipated to deliver more than $1 billion in economic activity and create up to 1000 jobs over the life of the project

“We’re already upgrading Enterprize Park - an early milestone of Greenline - which will be completed just in time for summer.

“Locals and visitors will soon enjoy an extra 1000 square meters of green lawn - almost the size of one Olympic swimming pool - with better views and access along the river.”

The City of Melbourne is also moving with its floating wetlands trial along the Yarra and looking to develop a new maritime heritage trail as part of Greenline.

The Council will continue to advocate for a tri-government funding partnership seeking $100 million each over the life of the project from the Victorian and Australian Governments.

Councillors will consider the Greenline Implementation Plan at the Future Melbourne Committee meeting tomorrow (Tuesday 7th December).