Harbour Esplanade vision revealed

The development of Harbour Esplanade could see heritage sheds reinstated, a ferry terminal and a historic boat moored by Central Pier, according to a proposal released by Places Victoria this month.

The six-step “blueprint” outlines a plan for the development of Harbour Esplanade over the next 10 to 15 years.

Developed with the City of Melbourne, the proposal includes two new public squares, landscaping, play spaces and the reinstatement of heritage sheds.

The proposal also suggests the potential for a ferry terminal and a historic ship, moored by Central Pier and serving as a visitor attraction, by 2025.

“Our vision for Harbour Esplanade is a significant public waterside destination that is used every day of the year,” Places Victoria general manager Simon Wilson said.

“To achieve this, we need to find the right balance between buildings, open and green space, and recreation opportunities which respect the heritage of Docklands.”

According to diagrams provided by Places Victoria, the “key moves” of the development process are to protect key views, create a “heritage heart”, optimise deep soil planting opportunities, increase water activation, improve the interface with the stadium precinct and provide wind protection and shelter.

Stage one of the proposal, the $16 million demolition of the raised concrete wharf decks at wharves 8 and 15 and the remediation of the sea walls, is currently underway, with the intention of reconstructing at least one wharf deck next year.

Further stages of development will be delivered subject to planning approval and funding and Places Victoria expects to submit a planning application for future work later this year.

Places Victoria and City of Melbourne will start a community engagement program this month, building on previous consultations on Harbour Esplanade’s development.

“The Docklands community has grown substantially since the community was first consulted about the development of the waterfront in 2008,” Mr Wilson said.

“Places Victoria and the City of Melbourne believe it is important to continue the conversation to ensure current thinking about proposed buildings open space and community facilities meets the needs of everyone who uses the area.”

The community engagement process commences on May 9 on the Participate Melbourne website (participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au) where community members are invited to provide feedback.

Pop-up information stalls will also be held across Docklands between May 12 and June 6.

Drop-in sessions will be held at the Harbour Esplanade glasshouse, Hortus, on May 14 from 11am until 1pm, May 19 from 8am until 10am, May 30 from 2.30pm until 4.30pm and June 4 from 8am until 10am.

There will be an opportunity to provide feedback at the Docklands Market on May 18 and at the opening of the Library at the Dock on May 31.

Pop-up stalls will also be held at various times and locations including NAB, Harbour Town, Etihad Stadium, Docklands YMCA (ANZ), Digital Harbour, Customs House and Docklands Park.