Known as the Greenline project, it has been in discussion since late 2021 by the City of Melbourne and the five-stage development is now due to be completed by 2028. It is set to become Melbourne’s largest green space.
Following final approval in December by the Future Melbourne Committee, work has started at Birrarung Marr, which lies between Federation Square and the tennis centre at Melbourne Park, on construction of a 450m stretch of the river that will provide a boardwalk and nature habitats, making it more pedestrian-friendly.
Birrarung Marr has existing event venues and open space used for events and cultural performance but will benefit from terraces and enhanced riverside access including dining options and better pathways to connect with the CBD.
The other four stages of the Greenline project heading down the river are The Falls, River Park, the Maritime Precinct and Saltwater Wharf towards the Bolte Bridge. The project funding includes the three levels of government plus some private funding.
River accessibility will be improved for a number of existing hotels and event venues set to benefit from the greening of this shoreline. Among them are Crowne Plaza and the new 1Hotel, both opposite Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
Surrounding the 1Hotel property is new parkland which includes an urban forest and an event stage that is available for business events and is easily accessible to MCEC via the pedestrian footbridge.
As part of the Greenline plans, the lower section of the Yarra will be more accessible via boat while the interconnecting spaces will have both pedestrian promenade and a bicycle path. It will also include a range of open spaces for cultural events and performance.
The City of Melbourne believes the project, when completed, will attract another 1.1 million visitors to the city each year, and will create more than 3,400 jobs during construction and more than 6,400 ongoing jobs by 2042. It estimates that for every $1 invested, the project will return $3.29 in value to the community.
