Melbourne's Greenline project plans released

The City of Melbourne has released plans for its Greenline project, a four-kilometre promenade along the north bank of the Yarra River, Birrarung, that will create a continuous riverside to Docklands.

Six-kilometres wide, Greenline will run uninterrupted from Birrarung Marr to the Bolte Bridge and establish the riverbank as an ecological corridor, while also engaging with its history as Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country and a maritime port.

It will be a, “city-shaping project which will transform the north bank of the Yarra River-Birrarung.”

The images below show before and after for the Flinders Walk section of the Greenline.

Walking and cycling in the area is currently limited by narrow and poorly connected paths, uneven pavements and steep slopes, but Greenline will improve public amenity, river health and tree canopy, while reintroducing riparian vegetation to support biodiversity. It will add an extra 1,000 square-metres of green lawn, and better views and access along the river.

Greenline will expand the promenade, introduce more native plantings in the Birrarung Marr precinct, and improve access along Federation Wharf. Improvements to Flinders Walk will offer better access from Swanson Street to the river and a connection to Flinders Street Station. The edge of the river will be reconstructed and softened to allow for shaping by natural processes.

Upgrades to Banana Alley Vaults and the lower promenade in the Yarro Yarro precinct explore opportunities for river-based activities and offer a more welcoming space.

The images below show before and after for the Batman Hill section of the Greenline.

The City of Melbourne believes “the Greenline will become a premier destination for workers, tourists and residents- all while celebrating the rich Aboriginal culture and city heritage, while enhancing the river environment.”

A period of community consultation, where around 400 provided feedback online, was largely positive. People said they wanted the site used for exercise and recreation, improving the environmental health of the river and riverbank, and enhancing the greening of the city. The City of Melbourne also held workshops with key stakeholders- land owners, local traders and business associations.

The final Greenline Implementation Plan went before the Future Melbourne Committee and was endorsed on in December last year.