Harbour Esplanade redevelopment

Harbour Esplanade redevelopment

The first stage of works to transform Docklands’ Harbour Esplanade into a new harbourside destination will start this month.

The redevelopment will be delivered in stages, with the first stage expected to take around 12 months.

The first stage of works, between Bourke St and Docklands Drive, will see the creation of a tree-lined boulevard, dedicated bike and pedestrian paths, and the realignment of tram tracks into the centre of the roadway, to provide additional parkland and recreational space.

Over the coming months people living, working and visiting Docklands are likely to see the following changes take place:

Trees

The first works people are likely to see will be the removal of existing trees, enabling the relocation of the tram tracks to follow. Of the 35 palm trees that currently line Harbour Esplanade, 24 will be relocated to an alternative location within

Docklands, with the balance remaining in place until plans for subsequent stages are finalised.

During the latter part of Stage 1 these trees will be replaced with a boulevard of around 210 Norfolk Island Pines, synonymous with many of Australia’s coastal waterfront settings.

Trams

Trams on Routes 30, 70, 86 and the free City Circle Tram will continue to operate as normal during works however it is expected that tram services will be affected over a two-day period and a separate five-day period at dates which are still to be determined. During the five-day period, trams will be replaced by buses. Once the dates have been finalised the bus arrangement details will be provided.

Traffic

One traffic lane in both directions along Harbour Esplanade will be maintained for the majority of the first stage of works. However there will be a need to close Harbour Esplanade to traffic between Bourke and LaTrobe Streets for five days and between Dockland Drive and LaTrobe Street for two days during construction of the new tram track connections. Additional information will be provided once the dates of the road closures are determined.

Bike paths

Cyclists will continue using the existing bike paths until Stage 1 is complete.

Stage 1 works will see the Capital City trail between Bourke St and Docklands Drive realigned, creating a dedicated path that will run along the tree-lined boulevard, adjacent, but separate to, a pedestrian footpath.

Pedestrian paths

There will be minimal impact to pedestrians during works. Pedestrian access will be maintained to businesses throughout construction and crossing points will be situated throughout the length of Harbour Esplanade.

Stage 1 will free up waterfront space along Harbour Esplanade allowing for a separate pedestrian pathway.

Further information: To stay informed with the progress of Stage 1 works, visit http://www.docklands.com.

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