Redevelopment announced

As we go to press, Matthew Guy has announced a $90 million redevelopment of land behind the Mission to Seafarers.

The proposed development includes a new 13-storey commercial office building, a new cultural/retail precinct. In addition to the new tower, the historic No.5 Goods Shed will be renovated.
The heritage goods crane will also be restored together with the restoration of the existing wharf and creating the Seafarers Rest, a 3.5-hectare park. Included in the plans is the restoration of the iconic heritage listed Mission to Seafarers building that has stood on the site for 96 years.
The area has long been thought of as the missing link between Melbourne CBD and Docklands. When the construction of the Jim Stynes bridge is completed, this will open up pedestrian and bicycle access along the north banks of the Yarra to Docklands.
The Mission to Seafarers is an international mission of the Anglican Church which cares for the practical and spiritual welfare of seafarers of all nationalities and faiths.
Seafarers are visited on their ships and offered a welcome and whatever help they need. This can range from enabling them to telephone or email home, to offering comfort to the bereaved and assisting in cases of injustice and distress.
Here at North Wharf, staff and volunteers manage a “drop-in” centre known as the Flying Angel Club offering a safe and secure place where seafarers can relax away from their working environment, contact their families through the internet, telephone or email, and receive counselling and support.
The Mission to Seafarers relies on philanthropy, sponsorship and public donations to continue its work.
More than 2000 people visited to the mission during Melbourne Open Home weekend last month.  Some $1500 was raised to assist the mission in its work.
The annual ANL Maritime Art Awards generates much needed income through sales of work submitted by local artists.
To increase exposure to these works of art and to raise awareness to Docklands maritime heritage, a new gallery is being opened up in Docklands Drive and will be called the Maritime Porthole Gallery.
It is hoped an emerging art precinct will evolve in the area to add a new attraction to Docklands.

Andrea Fleming, CEO Mission to Seafarers
Philip Hill, Group Strategic Director Asset 1 WTC