Momentum building for Harbour Esplanade revitalisation project
Progress! The Maritime Museum Heritage Network (MMHN) in collaboration with CBRE has proceeded to the next stage of assessment for the Harbour Esplanade Revitalisation Project.
This is an encouraging step forward in reinstating the integrity and status of Harbour Esplanade and in particular its unique capacity to generate longer-term permanent economic activation to benefit the entire Docklands community.
In mid-2025, MMHN with CBRE property advisory group made a formal submission to the Federal Government’s Urban Precincts and Partnerships Programs (UPPP). The specified aims of the grants program are to revitalise underutilised urban areas, strengthen local economies and create vibrant public places.
Having gained eligibility status, the submission will now be reviewed by an Independent Assessment Panel, which will make recommendations to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King. Decisions on UPPP project funding proposals are expected in mid-2026.
A key element in the Harbour Esplanade Revitalisation Project is a Maritime Experience Centre (MEC) on the site of the demolished Central Pier. Located at the centre of Harbour Esplanade, the MEC will be a new community, cultural and educational destination celebrating Australia’s maritime heritage while showcasing the growing opportunities associated with the blue economy, i.e. our maritime past, present and future. The MEC will be a community infrastructure asset and a permanent venue for education, events and engagement with Australia’s maritime industry.
As one Docklands stakeholder recently observed, “Docklands has enormous potential and projects that can bring people, activities and purpose back to Harbour Esplanade can play an important role in shaping the precinct’s next chapter.”
As the UPPP assessment process continues, MMHN encourages Docklands residents, businesses and organisations with an interest in the future of Docklands to express their support for the Harbour Esplanade Revitalisation Project and the MEC. You can do this by emailing the office of Minister King.
Help us strengthen the Docklands precinct and, importantly, reconnect people with the unique waterfront of Victoria Harbour.
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