From a derelict industrial zone to a vibrant and thriving mixed city precinct

In 1995, Melbourne embarked on an ambitious journey to transform the Docklands area. The plan was to turn a derelict industrial zone into a vibrant extension of the City's CBD. To put it into perspective, Victoria Harbour is around five times the size of Sydney's Darling Harbour. And twice the size of Circular Quay.

Today, Docklands stands as one of Australia's most significant urban renewal projects. In this article we reflect on three decades of this brave and ground breaking development.

Achievements:

1. ‍Economic Growth: Docklands has attracted approximately $14.6 billion in private investment. It has become home to over 17,700 residents and 78,000 workers. It comprises almost 11,000 apartments and over 1 million square metres of commercial space. It houses major corporations such as ANZ, NAB, Medibank Private, and Myer.‍
2. Infrastructure and Connectivity: Integrating Docklands into Melbourne's urban fabric was facilitated by significant infrastructure developments. This included Southern Cross Station and eight tram lines, and enhanced connectivity with the rest of the city.‍
3. Public Spaces and Amenities: It created over 9 hectares of parks and open spaces. Along with 68 pieces of public art.

Challenges and Critiques:

Despite these accomplishments, Docklands has its critics. They cite its failures around its urban planning and social integration. Many Melburnians note the precinct lacks the vibrant street life that characterises Melbourne. Fuelling this is the perceived overemphasis on commercial development at the expense of community-focused spaces. As well as fine grain development patterns. With many of its key anchors, such as Costco, have or are planning to relocate.

Ongoing Development:

Recognising these challenges, efforts are underway to reimagine and revitalise Docklands. Re-mastered planning initiatives aim to enhance the precinct's appeal. It will focus on creating a more dynamic and engaging environment that fosters a sense of community. There remains a significant amount of development capacity across the precinct. A strong residential and commercial pipeline set to increase the precincts occupancy size. This will also support the precincts local retailers. Many of which are yet to recover from the pandemic to same extent as observed elsewhere in the CBD.

Conclusion:

The transformation of Docklands over the past 30 years exemplifies the complexities inherent in large-scale urban renewal projects. It has achieved significant milestones in economic development and infrastructure. But the journey underscores the importance of balancing commercial ambitions with the creation of vibrant, inclusive public spaces. As Docklands continues to evolve, it offers valuable lessons in urban planning and development. Highlighting the need for adaptability and community engagement in shaping cities of the future.