More than $7 million in federal funding will help accelerate the planning and development of two major urban precincts across Melbourne.
The funding, provided through the latest round of the government’s $150 million Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program (uPPP), targets the revitalisation of the Melbourne CBD riverfront and the creation of an ambitious new city in the northern growth corridor.
The City of Melbourne will receive more than $4.4 million for the Birrarung Riverfront Activation Precinct proposal, also known as the Greenline Project. This funding builds upon a previous $20 million commitment from the Federal Government.
The investment will focus on investigating how to reinvigorate a section of the riverfront that has been underused and disconnected from the city centre for decades. The goal is to connect major landmarks such as Federation Square, the Flinders Street Station precinct, Banana Alley, and Sandridge Bridge directly with the Yarra River (Birrarung).
Member for Melbourne, Sarah Witty, emphasised the transformation the project will achieve.
“The Birrarung Riverfront Activation Precinct will transform underused spaces by the Yarra River into valuable public assets that will attract more visitors.
“Bringing together key partners and the community to contribute to the development will lead to some really vibrant public spaces and give us more ways to enjoy our riverbank.”
The City of Hume has been allocated $2.6 million for its “Pioneering Urban Innovation: Planning a New City in Melbourne’s North” project.
This precinct proposal is one of Australia’s most ambitious urban planning exercises. It will forge a regional partnership between the Hume, Mitchell, and Whittlesea councils, along with Stockland and Wurundjeri (Registered Aboriginal Party), to establish a major hub on Cloverton Boulevard. This hub will integrate employment, transport, housing, and community activity.
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The precinct will feature a thriving transport hub and mixed-use precinct, setting a benchmark for sustainable, inclusive, and innovative urban design.
Member for McEwan, Rob Mitchell, highlighted the regional significance of the investment.
“This new precinct in the north of Melbourne will feature a thriving transport hub and mixed-use precinct, exemplifying sustainable, inclusive and innovative urban design.
“We are bringing together key partners and the community to contribute to the development of an investment-ready regional hub for employment, transport, housing, community activity and cultural significance.”
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King stated that the projects are a model for how development should be approached.
“Our cities and suburbs are growing. These projects demonstrate how governments, businesses and communities can work together to create innovative spaces to meet the growing demands of a community and appeal to tourists and locals alike.
“I look forward to these two projects coming to fruition and making Melbourne an even greater place to live.”
For more information on the Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/urban
