City of Melbourne to develop new green space in Arts Precinct

The City of Melbourne has announced plans to transform an underutilised section of road in the heart of Melbourne’s Arts Precinct into a lush green space for locals and visitors to enjoy.

The Dodds Street Linear Park will become a Southbank attraction, and contribute to the City’s efforts to turn the densely populated precinct from grey to green.

The $6.5 million project will create 3,200 metre² of accessible open space, featuring native grasslands, wildflowers, 35 new trees, paved bluestone pathways and community gathering spaces.

The park, between Grant Street and Southbank Boulevard, will be sustainable and resilient, increasing the area’s tree canopy and biodiversity.

It has been designed with accessibility in mind to ensure people of all abilities feel welcome to explore the city’s world-renowned creative offerings.

The northern end of Dodds Street will become a shared zone, with accessible parking and pick up and drop off areas to make it easy for those visiting the Melbourne Arts Precinct.

The southern end of the street will be closed to traffic and converted into public parkland - a space for people to relax and spend time with family and friends.

The Dodds Street Linear Park forms Stage 2 of the Southbank Boulevard transformation, which has created more than 22,000 metre² of new public space - including two brand new parks and more than 400 new trees.

Work will begin in the coming days and is set to take 12 months to complete. During construction, Dodds Street will be closed to traffic, except delivery and service vehicles. Accessible parking spaces will be temporarily relocated to Sturt Street. Access to properties in Dodds Street will be maintained at all times.

A public artwork has been commissioned for this area. Planning and design for the work is underway.

Commenting on the Dodds Street Linear Park, City of Melbourne Lord Mayor, Sally Capp stated “the Dodds Street Linear Park will breathe new life into this underexplored part of the city - increasing foot traffic in the area, while providing locals and visitors alike a place to dwell while visiting our spectacular Arts Precinct.”

“The Southbank community has told us that accessible green open spaces are essential in this densely populated part of the city, so we’re creating a sanctuary with native grasslands, wildflowers and trees, places to sit and rest, and spaces to explore.”

Image: Concepts for the Dodds Street Linear Park. Credit: City of Melbourne.