Melbourne's Seafarers Rest project

The City of Melbourne, in partnership with the Victorian government, developer Riverlee, and landscape architects Oculus, have unveiled visions for the $500 million mixed-use Seafarers Rest project.

A key area in the Docklands Public Realm Plan, Seafarers Rest had been flagged for renewal in the City of Melbourne’s Open Space Strategy, and the first phase of community consultation has already been carried out to help inform the design.

The Seafarers Rest Project in Melbourne is set to be completed in 2023. Image credit - Occulus Landscape Architects.

Located on the north bank of the Yarra River between the Mission to Seafarers historic building and the Seafarers Bridge, the area will be transformed into a shared community park, with lawns, trees and places for rest, relaxation and play. Its design pays homage to Melbourne’s maritime history, with columns that reflect the former wharf shed location, and timber crate seating that references the cargo of the historic wharf.

“With many people living or working in high-density environments,” says Nicholas Reece, planning portfolio chair, “it’s essential we find ways to provide more green space for outdoor exercise, activities and enjoyment.”

The project sits on the north bank of the Yarra river. Image credit - Occulus Landscape Architects.

Seafarers Rest is divided into six key areas; the River Lawns, Play Wharf, Habitat Hollows, Events Deck, Crates and Urban Forest.

The River Lawns offer a series of new paths and connect the park to the river promenade, increasing pedestrian and cycle access. Sunny open lawns and planting over the existing concrete wharf slab provide space for rest and recreation.

The area will be transformed into a shared riverside park. Image credit - Occulus Landscape Architects.

Nearby, the Play Wharf features a lawn, seating and play elements, and the Habitat Hollows and Urban Forest both retain and add trees, plants and greenery for amenity, shade and shelter. Nesting boxes, tree groves and salvaged tree trunks will provide a natural habitat for birds and wildlife.

An Events Deck acts as a flexible-use open space for gatherings, protecting and enhancing existing trees and providing shaded areas in which to relax. The Crates can also be used for events, with a deck framed by timber seating edges that reference cargo crates.

There are many flexible use spaces. Image credit - Occulus Landscape Architects.

Seafarers Rest’s extensive planting will create biodiversity and connect people to nature. Between the new planting and retained trees, the site should have 40% tree canopy cover.

The design is water sensitive and encourages walking and cycling through its integration of pedestrian and cycle paths.

The project aims to connect users to nature. Image credit - Occulus Landscape Architects.

Reece describes Seafarers Rest as, “a great local park that reflects the site’s maritime heritage and incorporates many ideas received from the community about how people would like to use and enjoy the space.”

The Project is expected to be completed in 2023.

Image credit - Occulus Landscape Architects.