Docklands: From Empty Lot to Economic Powerhouse

Media Release from Minister for Planning

Thursday, 8 July 2010

Victorians will have an unprecedented opportunity to help shape the future of Docklands, as new figures reveal the waterfront precinct is set to become home to more than 15,000 people and attract a further $9 billion in investment by 2021.

Unveiling plans for Docklands' second decade, Planning Minister Justin Madden, Lord Mayor Robert Doyle and Member for Melbourne Bronwyn Pike today announced a feasibility study for an urban primary school at Harbour Esplanade.

A library, recreational facilities including the 'Docklands Run' - the equivalent of the Tan Track - designated bike paths, space for playgroups and a community boating hub are all being considered as part of future plans for Docklands.

"Over the last ten years, Docklands has gone from being the city's poor relation to a central part of our economic and social fabric,” Mr Madden said.

"Although only 50 per cent has been developed, it is already a $7 billion economic hub, home to more than 40 major national or international companies employing more than 19,000 people.

"But Docklands is much more than just an extension of Melbourne's business heart. It is also one of our newest suburbs, home to more than 6,000 people living in 3,400 homes, and the challenge now is to strengthen the community within this important growth area."

Confirming that the City of Melbourne would be given increased planning powers for the area, Mr Madden and Lord Mayor Robert Doyle agreed it was critical that future planning for the harbour-side precinct married community infrastructure alongside private development.

"Private development needed to be the impetus of the first decade of Docklands,” Mr Doyle said.

“But as we head towards 2020 we need to ensure the 'fine grain' of the precinct - the community infrastructure which gives a development site its soul - is equally planned for.

"We are delighted with Minister Madden's decision to include the City of Melbourne at the table to plan for this next decade, and are confident the genuine partnership between the Brumby Government and the City of Melbourne will benefit our waterfront precinct as it moves into its second decade.

“To ensure we get this planning right, we call on the residents, workers, investors, visitors - everyone who has a stake in Docklands - to participate in the Second Decade consultation process. We want to hear from you about your aspirations, what works, what doesn’t work and what needs improving.

“With you we will work together to ensure Docklands realises its full potential and is fully integrated into the city.”

Mr Madden said the feasibility study into a primary school located at a site set aside on Harbour Esplanade would be undertaken by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Department of Planning and Community Development and VicUrban.

“What distinguishes Docklands from other growing areas in the state is the unique mix of residents and workers” Mr Madden said.

“This feasibility study will examine the projected demand from parents working in the area as well as future residents of Docklands and neighbouring developments.

“As this is a new approach to providing primary education, public consultation will take place with parents, employers and families of potential students to assess the suitability of a primary school at this location.

“The study, conducted over the next 12 months will help shape the future of the Docklands community, and will feed into the broader community consultation program.”

Member for Melbourne Bronwyn Pike said any new community infrastructure would complement existing facilities including two medical centres, child care centres, gyms, pharmacies, four local bank branches, a post office and a supermarket.

“Community feedback has already identified a library and sporting facilities as the number one priorities going forward and I’m pleased to say plans for these are well advanced along with selected sites,” Ms Pike said.

“The proposed Docklands Library will provide library and community facilities including a student study lounge and space for playgroups.

“Two hectares have also been set aside in western Docklands with a range of outdoor and indoor recreation activities.

“VicUrban will now undertake a comprehensive community engagement program which will be integral to shaping the next decade of Docklands.”

Mr Madden said economic indicators showing the success of Docklands first decade included:

$6 billion investment in developing the first half of Docklands;
$1 billion investment in public infrastructure projects such as the Collins Street and La Trobe Street Bridges, the Harbour Esplanade, major roads and the wharves;
Lettable office space has grown to 479,000 m² – an increase of 800 per cent since 2002 – while office vacancy rates have dropped to four per cent;
Lettable retail space has grown to 158,000 m², an increase of more than 2000 per cent since 2002 while vacancy rates have dropped to 11 per cent;
853 businesses now operate in Docklands, a 600 per cent increase from 140 in 2002;
29 finance and insurance companies including ANZ, NAB, AMP and the Australian Taxation Office have clustered down at Docklands;
175 child care places have been created;
31,000 people are now employed in the area including 19,000 full time workers;
Local and regional attractions such as Icehouse, Central Pier function venues and Etihad Stadium share more than 100 events a year; and
More than 120 restaurants, cafes, bars and eateries and 220 retail outlets are now located at Docklands.

“These statistics demonstrate that the vision for Docklands was right and are proof of its position as a commercial hub of Melbourne,” Mr Madden said.

The extensive consultation process on the Second Decade of Docklands – a partnership between VicUrban and the City of Melbourne - will commence later this month, including events and activities to enable people to contribute and provide comment.

For more information or to register please visit www.docklands.com/seconddecade or call 9658 9658.

ENDS