The
Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street Concept Plan, adopted by Council in 2017, outlines a new vision for Southbank that will:
- create new public open space
- prioritise pedestrians, public transport and cyclists
- deliver a new, accessible tram stop on Sturt Street
- deliver separated bike lanes along the boulevard
- enhance the gateway into the Arts Precinct
- create a living link, connecting the Domain Parklands to the Yarra River
- build a new civic square for the precinct
- deliver a series of new neighbourhood parks and a play space for the community.
Located in the heart of Melbourne’s Arts Precinct, this project has transformed this once busy street into one of Australia’s most pedestrian-friendly places. It recognises the rich history and stories of the site and is based on extensive
community and stakeholder engagement.
About Southbank
Southbank is the home of Melbourne's Arts Precinct, a thriving business sector and is on the doorstep of the central city.
There are currently just over 18,000 residents in Southbank and this number is expected to increase to 45,000 in 2035. During the week, 45,000 workers call Southbank home and up to 80,000 people can visit every day.
It is also one of the most densely populated suburbs in Melbourne, but doesn’t have enough public space for people. City of Melbourne’s
Open Space Strategy recommends 20 square metres of public open space per resident. In Southbank, there are currently two square metres per resident.
Traffic
Southbank Boulevard no longer carries the volume of traffic for which it was designed. In 1988, Southbank Boulevard carried 40,000 vehicles a day; it now carries 13,000 vehicles a day after direct access to the central city was closed following the construction of Queensbridge Square in 2001.
We’ve undertaken extensive studies to prove where we can reconfigure the road in Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street to create new public space, while still meeting current traffic needs.