Docklands thinking revealed on May 11

VicUrban and the City of Melbourne want to show the Docklands community on May 11 what they are thinking for Docklands’ second decade.

They are hosting a special day at the Hub, 80 Harbour Esplanade, to reveal draft directions and actions and listen to responses.

The day is part of the Second Decade of Docklands consultation which has been running since last July and is due for final public comment by mid-year.

The authorities say that define strategic directions and actions will emerge.

The Lord Mayor, Cr Robert Doyle, is urging the community to review the draft directions and actions and make suggestions about how they might work for local people and businesses.  

“We need to bring life and vitality into the spaces around Docklands built form and the local community has that valuable insight to share in how we can achieve this together,” Cr Doyle said.

VicUrban and the City of Melbourne have revealed that while the Second Decade plan will include both long-term and short-term outcomes, it will also seek to deliver more immediate outcomes such as improved pedestrian connections, increased events and greater promotion of the area as a waterfront destination.

They say community input is invited on the draft directions, and they want help to prioritise actions for delivery such as temporary and permanent uses within existing open space areas.  

VicUrban’s acting general manager for Docklands, Simon Wilson, said the community event formed part of the continued conversation with Docklands.  

As part of the engagement process, VicUrban and the City of Melbourne have also met with CEOs and representatives from Docklands’ business community, government agencies, developers and other special interest groups, to gather their feedback on the draft strategic directions and priority actions.

The May 11 session will be open between 12 noon and 7pm. Presentations will be made at 12.15pm and at 5.30pm.

Mr Wilson said the community’s views would help further shape the Second Decade of Docklands plan, which will be released for final public comment in mid 2011.

“More than 3700 people participated in the first phase of engagement project and over 2200 people provided specific feedback about what they want to see happen in Docklands over the next 10 years,” Mr Wilson said.

“These views helped shape the draft Shared Vision which was launched last October. This phase of engagement seeks to develop and agree on the key strategic directions and actions that will help deliver the Shared Vision for Docklands.”

For more information about the Second Decade of Docklands Project, or to register to attend the community day please go to http://www.docklandsseconddecade.com or phone 9658 9658.