Connecting our precincts

A new city bridge to honour the life of legendary Melbourne leader Jim Stynes is a step closer to fruition as work on the project advances across the Northbank precinct.

Due for completion in early 2014, the $18 million bridge and connections across Northbank will provide for the very first time a vital link for cyclists and pedestrians between Docklands, the Yarra’s developing Northbank precinct, the Central Business District and beyond.

When completed, the new bridge will improve connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists. It will traverse and arc under the Charles Grimes Bridge as a suspended structure hovering above the Yarra.

Construction of the Jim Stynes Bridge aims to provide the vital missing pedestrian, bicycle and commuter link between Melbourne’s Central Business District with Docklands and Southbank, and is expected to shape the development of the Northbank waterfront precinct, further enhancing amenity and accessibility of surrounding precincts.

It is much anticipated and is an opportunity for the first time to significantly enhance the quality of public space, improve access and create better connections to this important part of Melbourne. The bridge will also create a link in cycling and pedestrian infrastructure between the CBD and Docklands, building on the Victorian Government’s $18 million commitment to plugging the missing link in Melbourne’s north east, the Darebin Creek Trail and form thecentral project to open the Northbank Promenade.

The Northbank Promenade project is a $23 million joint initiative with the State Government and the City of Melbourne which aims to improve walking and cycling access between Spencer St and Docklands and along the Yarra River.

The first two stages of the project are complete and operational, including the Crowne Plaza pedestrian and cycle platform extension, which followed the opening of the new WTC Wharf, berthing and access platforms across the northern river’s edge at WTC.

Much is happening in the precinct, over the winter months.  Visitors to the Mission to Seafarers (MtS) during July will enjoy the Dome Gallery exhibition featuring the internationally renowned Koskie Collection Ships that Shaped Australia.   Other MtS exhibitions Reflections of the Sea at World Trade Centre’s Atrium Gallery and complementary exhibit at St Peter the Mariner Chapel at 717 Flinders Street, offer a brief encounter with the maritime history of Docklands as recorded in the Mission to Seafarers Victoria archive.  

Put it in your diary to drop in to the Mission on Friday’s for Mission Curry Lunch from 12 noon or visit the historic building complex during Open House weekend on July 27-28.  To sustain happy hikers who are exploring Docklands’ sustainable building developments over that weekend, the mission will be hosting a sausage sizzle and other refreshments.

Keep a look out for announcements over the coming months, regarding the Mission’s Harbour Town Maritime Porthole Project, and the much anticipated WTC Emerging Artists Foundation.  These events are supporting your local charity and the arts.

Andrea Fleming, CEO Mission to Seafarers

Philip Hill, Group Strategic Director Asset1 WTC