Australia’s first vertical government school is an important part of Fishmermans Bend.
RENEW AND
REGENERATE
AS AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT, FISHERMANS BEND IS EARMARKED TO PLAY A KEY ROLE IN SUPPORTING MELBOURNE’S GROWTH. IN A 30-YEAR TRANSFORMATION, A RANGE OF COMPLEX CHANGES WILL NEED TO BE MADE TO THE URBAN FORM.
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n the 18th century, the Yarra River, otherwise known as Birrarung, was a major meeting place for the First Australians. The traditional owners of the land shared territory between the Bunwurrung and Woiwurrung language groups at the head of Port Phillip Bay. They shaped the land and as communities around the area evolved and grew, so did a range of key industries. Today, the gentle curve of the river and its arrow-straight Williamstown Road remain the boundaries of Fishermans Bend. The area has been subject to continuous change, with decades of new Australian migrants shaping a range of influential industries, from Vegemite’s headquarters to the Herald Sun printing press. Preservation of the existing rich history has also remained part of the precinct’s evolution. But as the city continues its exponential growth, urban renewal becomes a necessity. Plan Melbourne predicts that 1.6 million new homes will need to be built in Melbourne between now and 2050 to support the growing population. With infill development 44
ROADS MARCH 2020
forecast to become the largest contributor, strategic urban renewal projects like Fishermans Bend will need to play their part. By 2050, Fishermans Bend will support around 80,000 residents and provide employment for the same amount of people. The vision for the centre is to create a thriving place that is a leading example of environmental sustainability, liveability, connectivity, diversity and innovation. With 480 hectares of land, the precinct is more than double that of the Melbourne CBD. As such, Fishermans Bend is earmarked to play a key role in Melbourne’s growth. In improving the city’s liveability, urban planners will enhance the landscape with open and green spaces, schools, kindergartens, bike path and walking trails. The precinct is now in the midst of developing its existing employment zone to unlock a new wave of innovation in design and manufacturing. Education will be central to the precinct, as Melbourne University plans to relocate its design and engineering
campus from Parkville to Fishermans Bend. But it’s no easy task. Tania Quick, Director of the Fisherman’s Bend Taskforce, declares she has one of the greatest, but most challenging, planning jobs in the world. Every day, she looks at the complexities and difficulties that lie ahead, but is also incredibly excited about the enormous city shaping opportunities presented. While Ms. Quick has a long history of involvement in Fisherman’s Bend, dating back to her appointment to its Ministerial Advisory Committee in 2015, leading the project is exciting. “There will be $30 billion of construction activity occurring in the precinct, and that’s just over the rezoned areas over the course of the next 30-odd years,” Ms. Quick says. Fishermans Bend is Australia’s largest urban renewal project and spans five major precincts across two municipalities – the City of Melbourne and City of Port Phillip. The area is set to play a key role in the evolution of central Melbourne as a leading place to live, work, visit and invest.
