G’day neighbour - Fishermans Bend re-imagined

Planning Minister Richard Wynne has released a new vision for Docklands’ future neighbours Fishermans Bend.

The new plan for Fishermans Bend is expected to be completed by 2050, with 80,000 residents to call the suburb home and 60,000 workers to be employed in the area.

Mr Wynne said the suburb would offer a variety of options to residents.

“We’re making sure Fishermans Bend is a place people want to work and live, with the right infrastructure and plenty of housing choices for families,” he said.

“We are determined to properly plan Fishermans Bend and are making sure the community is part of the process. We’re maximising this rare opportunity to create new neighbourhoods close to the city.”

Five precincts will be built over approximately 465 hectares. The precincts Sandridge, Lorimer, Montague, Wirraway and a precinct specifically for employment will exist over two municipalities, the City of Melbourne and City of Port Phillip.

The Lorimer Precinct is already a key area of Docklands and will assist the flow of business and traffic between Fishermans Bend and Docklands. The plan sets out Lorimer as a centre for jobs, homes, community facilities, shopping and entertainment.

Connected to Lorimer will be the employment precinct. Designed to attract businesses which want access to both the CBD and Docklands, the precinct will also provide convenient access to Melbourne Airport via CityLink. Infrastructure will also be developed to integrate the area into the current public transport network.

A variety of housing options have been proposed, including high-rise apartments and town houses. The plan also forecasts schooling options for those working in the employment precinct.

Currently, no schooling options exist within Docklands. New plans have been released for nearby Ferrars St school, still under construction and due for completion in 2018.

The proposal centres on a new education and community precinct to be built around the school.

The plan flags the creation of an 8400 sqm park for both school and public use, upgraded tram stops servicing routes 109 and 96, street upgrades around Douglas, Ferrars, Meaden, Buckhurst and Kerr streets and bicycle route upgrades to improve safety and access.

Railway Place has also been put forward for landscaping to allow public gatherings, outdoor teaching and performances.

Education Minister James Merlino said the government was committed to providing schooling options for local students.

“We’re delivering more school places in South Melbourne and this plan for the surrounding streets will give students safe access on foot, on their bikes and on public transport,” he said.

Despite the likelihood of a high demand for places in neighbouring suburbs, Docklands parents will be able to access the school, which is predicted to accommodate more than 500 students.

A spokesman for the Department of Education said enrolment at the school would follow standard practice.

“Where the new Ferrars St school in South Melbourne is the closest government school for a family living in Docklands it will be considered their designated neighbourhood school and they will be entitled to enrol at it, as is standard practice in the enrolment policy,” he said.

Residents are invited to participate in the planning process for Fishermans Bend.  

For more information visit: http://haveyoursay.delwp.vic.gov.au/fishermans-bend