Docklands activation ideas given priority

In an effort to revitalise Docklands and drive visitation up, new events occurring within the area will be given priority during the selection process of city activation grants.

The $5 million City Revitalisation Event Support Program (CRESP) was announced on August 8 as part of the City of Melbourne and Andrews Labor Government $200 million Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund.

CRESP will also provide funding to the successful event organisers to support them in their endeavours to make Melbourne the events capital it was always known for.

“Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital, and we’re delighted to add to our calendar of events to fill our streets and laneways with people, colour and vibrancy,” Lord Mayor Sally Capp said.

“We know events are driving Melbourne’s recovery – attracting millions of people to the city to shop, dine and explore, providing our city businesses with a much-needed boost.”

For people wanting to have their ideas for Docklands revitalisation in 2023 to be heard, the CRESP is calling on all applications to be submitted before 5pm on September 5.

Until then, Docklands can look forward to the launch of two of the 18 successful recipients of the latest city activation grants round for the second half of the year, which will be occurring within the local area.

The latest round is part of the joint City of Melbourne and Victorian Government’s $100 million Melbourne City Recovery Fund.

To celebrate the beginning of Spring, Floral by the Docklands and Bike Valet will turn the waterfront precinct into a floral wonderland with street art installations, and encourage people to ride their bikes.

Already scheduled for the first three Saturdays and Sundays of September is Bike Valet which is being launched by the Bicycle Network, in partnership with Docklands Chamber of Commerce as part of the Docklands Dollars scheme.

The service will work by providing a free bike valet service for all people riding their bikes into The District Docklands, and will result in them receiving a cashback of up to $25 to be spent in the Docklands Precinct.

“We want to show Melburnians that bikes are an easy and fun way to get around the city,” Bicycle Network CEO Alison McCormack said.

“Bikes have the power to make our cities more sustainable, our roads less congested and our communities healthier. But the first step is for people to give bikes a try. This is what the Docklands Dollars Scheme is all about.”

“Not only will Melburnians have a fun day out on their bikes, they will receive generous rewards for doing so.”

Participants wanting to get involved can ride their bike straight to Melbourne Star at 101 Waterfront Way on the selected days the event is running, then continue on enjoying a nice day out wandering around Docklands. •