City of Melbourne eyes new cultural precincts in Docklands

The City of Melbourne is taking steps to enhance Docklands as a thriving multicultural and culinary destination, with plans under way to scope both a Little India precinct and a new seafood dining hub.

As part of its draft 2025–26 budget, the council has allocated $150,000 to explore the creation of several “pocket precincts” across the municipality. These would bring together business activation, infrastructure and marketing to help shape new cultural landmarks – with Docklands firmly in focus.

Among the proposals is a dedicated Little India precinct, aimed at celebrating Melbourne’s Indian community and boosting business and vibrancy in one of the city’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods.

With more than 2000 Docklands residents of Indian descent – accounting for 13 per cent of the local population – and Victoria hosting the country’s largest Indian diaspora, Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the time was right to create a permanent home for Indian culture in the city.

“Our city is home to the largest Indian diaspora in Australia – and it’s our fastest-growing cultural community,” Cr Reece said. “I want to see Melbourne establish a dedicated Little India precinct, just like we have with Chinatown and our new Koreatown.”

“This would be a wonderful way to celebrate the significant contribution the Indian community has made to Melbourne, while also attracting visitors and creating new opportunities for local traders.”

The scoping works build on the recent formation of a Little India Traders’ Association and mirror similar efforts that led to the establishment of Koreatown in Healeys Lane – now officially recognised by the council and home to dozens of Korean-owned restaurants and businesses.

Also included in the council’s scoping plans is a seafood precinct along the Docklands waterfront. First pitched by Cr Reece during his successful re-election campaign, the precinct would feature a vibrant mix of open-air restaurants, food stalls and public space designed to showcase Melbourne’s rich culinary identity.

Described as a “world-class seafood dining destination”, the project aims to celebrate the city’s maritime history while driving tourism and supporting local business.

“Inspiration for this precinct will be drawn from some of the world’s great seafood markets, including Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market and San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf,” Cr Reece said during last year’s election campaign.

The council’s city economy and business portfolio lead Cr Kevin Louey said these new initiatives would help strengthen Melbourne’s identity as Australia’s multicultural capital.

“We’re always looking for new ways to celebrate our diversity through our streets and neighbourhoods,” Cr Louey said.

The Docklands precinct plans follow a string of successful cultural initiatives by the council, including the Chinatown revitalisation and the recent launch of Koreatown, which featured the installation of traditional Korean totem poles.

While still in the early planning stages, the proposed pocket precincts have already sparked enthusiasm among community leaders and business owners eager to bring new life to Docklands.

Docklands Chamber of Commerce president Dan Hibberd said he was pleased to see the council progressing with its investigations for the new pocket precincts in Docklands.  

"It's fantastic and encouraging to see the council looking at real options to help activate the precinct with potential improvements. We look forward to working with the council and the community to assess the viability of these proposed pocket precincts." 

Public engagement is expected to follow as part of the budget consultation process, closing June 2.