Docklands in focus in latest Future Melbourne podcast episode

The latest episode of Hyperlocal News’ new Future Melbourne podcast series is turning the spotlight on Docklands, with a new conversation exploring one of Melbourne’s most debated waterfront precincts now live online.

Hosted by Docklands News publisher and editor Sean Car, the episode takes listeners to Melbourne’s harbour edge to examine how Docklands has evolved over the past two decades, and what may lie ahead as the city continues to grow.

Joining the discussion is Docklands resident, former City of Melbourne councillor and Community3008 co-president Jamal Hakim, who brings both local and civic insight to a precinct that continues to provoke strong opinions.

Once former port land, Docklands is now home to more than 18,000 residents, thousands of workers and some of Melbourne’s most recognisable waterfront public spaces. Yet despite its rapid growth and prominent location on the edge of the CBD, the precinct remains a place of ongoing debate about identity, amenity and long-term direction.

In the new episode, Mr Hakim reflects on Docklands’ history, the challenges it has faced in recent years, and the opportunities that could shape its future.

The conversation comes at a timely moment for the precinct, with renewed discussion around community life, activation, public space and how Docklands fits into Melbourne’s broader urban story.

Produced by Hyperlocal News, publisher of CBD News and its sibling papers across the City of Melbourne, Future Melbourne is a new podcast that aims to provide a platform for deeper discussions about the major civic, planning and economic issues shaping the municipality.

The series is hosted by Sean Car and supported by Good One Creative, with episodes released weekly on Wednesdays.

Previous episodes have featured Queen Victoria Market chief executive Matt Elliott on the future of the historic market, and former City of Melbourne councillor and Crikey founder Stephen Mayne discussing the post-pandemic city economy and the future of the CBD.

The next episode will turn to housing challenges in the City of Melbourne, with Housing All Australians founder Rob Pradolin joining the podcast to discuss affordability, supply and the pressures facing the inner city.

The following week will see former City of Melbourne councillor and planning expert Rohan Leppert unpack another local urban renewal story in the neighbouring Arden and Macaulay precincts.

Other episodes in the series will explore Melbourne’s Art Precinct, Lygon St, city safety, Fishermans Bend, the Yarra-Birrarung and much more.

For Docklands residents, the new episode offers a chance to hear one of the precinct’s best-known local voices reflect on where the area has come from and where it may yet be heading.

You can listen to the Docklands episode here or watch at the top of the article on Youtube.