Urban design experts and prominent Melburnians will take part in a free public event at Melbourne’s Fed Square on 16 April, whereupon the transformative Greenline Project will be revealed.
The event will centre on the Greenline Project vision and Master Plan, coinciding with the upcoming transformation of the Birrarung Marr Precinct, and will draw parallels with other successful urban renewal projects like New York City’s High Line. The aim is to deepen public understanding and receive ongoing feedback and ideas for the project.
The Greenline Project is forecast to generate substantial economic benefits, including $1.2 billion in uplift and value created, $1.7 billion in gross value added in economic output, and $24 million in additional annual visitor spend.
It is expected to create 6,400 ongoing jobs by 2042, along with 3,400 direct and indirect construction jobs.
T.C.L. and ASPECT Studios are the main consultants for the Greenline Project, engaging seven agencies to deliver five precincts along the river.
The project aims to create a mix of promenades, parks, open spaces, native plantings, cultural activations, and environmental renewal integrations between Birrarung Marr and the Bolte Bridge.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp expressed enthusiasm for the project, as he stated: “The Greenline Project will transform Melbourne’s riverfront from Birrarung Marr to the Bolte Bridge — while creating thousands of jobs, attracting waves of new visitors, and injecting millions of dollars into the economy.”
The Birrarung Council member and water law and policy expert Erin O’Donnell highlighted the project’s importance in connecting with the river: “The Greenline Project event is an opportunity for everyone to learn more about how the city can embrace and connect with the river.”
Kirsten Bauer, design leader of the Aspect Studios and T.C.L. consultant team, shared insights into the community’s desire for more nature in cities: “The community have said they would like to see more nature in our cities.
“In this conversation, we want to share how The Greenline Project will do this and the compelling ways it can draw people closer to nature.”
A new information hub for the Greenline Project is also in development, aiming to provide a platform for public engagement and education about the project’s scope and impact.
The event’s expert panel includes Erin O’Donnell, Birrarung Council member and water law and policy expert; Julian O’Shea, award-winning designer, academic, and video storyteller; Kirsten Bauer, Greenline Project landscape architect and Director of ASPECT Studios; and Sally Capp AO, City of Melbourne Lord Mayor.
Tickets to ‘From High Line to Greenline’ are free but require registration via What’s On Melbourne.
For more information on the Greenline Project, visit the City of Melbourne website.
