Waiting to be discovered

Waiting to be discovered

At this time of year we reflect and give thanks for the year that we have just enjoyed and look ahead to next year.

Docklands has come a long way and still has a long way to go – and we are going forwards.  This GNB edition will focus on our progress.

First I would like to give thanks to Cr Beverley Pinder-Mortimer, her team, the City of Melbourne and Melbourne Day Committee for their help in delivering a spectacular Melbourne Regatta at the end of August as we celebrated Melbourne’s 180th birthday.

So what has been happening in Docklands? Harbour Town is undergoing some major changes and worth a visit to see what is happening there. Just jump on the frequent City Circle or a number 70 tram and head down Docklands Drive.

Plans are currently underway to construct a multi-million dollar transparent steel and Teflon roof canopy to provide shelter from the elements that will establish the centre as one of Melbourne’s leading shopping and entertainment precincts.

Also breaking news is a deal with Hoyts to build a new cinema complex to develop an exciting new entertainment precinct in Docklands.

Already there is the Ice House – now called O’Brien Group Arena – a state-of-the-art ice skating complex. Right next door under the Melbourne Star you will find Docklands’ own Wonderland Fun Park with its Spiegeltent  and annual Christmas Spectacular. Enjoy spectacular views of Melbourne from the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel.

Further down Docklands Drive you will find the new Ron Barrassi Senior Park, a recreational space opened on October 10. The park is located right under the Bolte Bridge past Harbour Town.

It has a multi-purpose sports arena, children’s playground, barbecue facilities and a community pavilion.

Over on the other side of Victoria Harbour is the Alma Doepel and schooner Enterprize. Located at the very end of North Wharf Rd, these tall ships are a “must visit”. The Alma is currently on a floating barge undergoing restoration. You can arrange a tour of the project and learn about the history of this original vessel. Unskilled and semi-skilled volunteers are able to work on the ship every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

New volunteers are most welcome.

The schooner Enterprize is a replica of the original vessel that brought settlers to Melbourne in 1835. Visits and tours can be arranged and is available for function hire. The Enterprize is the flagship of the annual Melbourne Day celebrations and the Melbourne Regatta and Blessing of the Fleet.

Also on North Wharf Rd is a new community and boating hub. The two-storey, mixed-use building is now home to the Docklands Yacht Club, the Victorian Dragon Boat Association, Melbourne Outrigger Canoe Club and Docklands family services. Places Victoria, Lend Lease and the City of Melbourne have jointly funded the project. This new building is next door to the relatively new Library at the Dock.

The award winning Library at The Dock is a state of the art community hub that enables the community to meet and belong. The library boasts a recording studio, creative editing suites, community spaces and a performance venue that holds up to 120 people and a gallery/exhibition space that celebrates our rich heritage

Along Harbour Esplanade, between Collins and Bourke streets, is the Docklands Sports Court. This is an exciting development for Docklands where residents and workers can relax and play sport. This is yet another range of initiatives being led by City of Melbourne and Places Victoria to better connect people with the city’s waterfront.

The courts feature a durable surface, shade trees and seating that are adaptable to a range of sports including basketball, netball and small-scale soccer. Courts are available for use by the public between 6am and 10pm only.

And to conclude the wonders of Docklands, we have our magnificent Etihad Stadium – home to many sporting and entertainment venues. Millions of people flock to Etihad Stadium every year to enjoy AFL, soccer, Big Bash cricket, music, motor cross, boxing and many other events. There are also multiple venues within for hire. Also in the area can be found the historic Woolshed Pub, Atlantic Group venues, Channel  7, Channel 9 and film studios.

On the other side of the Yarra you will find Docklands’ secret oasis! Yarra’s Edge enjoys a well-equipped marina and beautiful views across to Victoria Harbour. You will find fine dining here and just a short stroll across Webb Bridge. Not many people know this!

There is one thing we do need in Docklands and that is a Federation Square-style meeting area equipped with sound and stage facilities for hire for holding public events. This could easily be located along Harbour Esplanade.

Such a venue would limit the need to bump in/bump out stage and sound equipment and would derive revenue.

We had such a facility at the Waterfront Piazza and that has been home to Australia Day festivities for the last few years. Well, that is now going and it would be great to have somewhere else to replace it!

Who said there is nothing to see in Docklands? Docklands is a huge place with a rich maritime history just waiting to be discovered. Docklands is well serviced with a frequent tram service and a great bike share scheme available, so discover that Docklands is beautiful.

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