Harbour Esplanade Redevelopment - Stage 1

The first stage of works to transform Docklands’ Harbour Esplanade into a new harbourside destination commenced in June 2010.

The Harbour Esplanade redevelopment will ultimately see this important public space transformed into a new harbourside park for Melbourne.

The redevelopment will be delivered in stages, with the first stage due for completion in 2011.

The first stage of works, between, Bourke Street and Docklands Drive, will see the creation of a tree-lined boulevard, dedicated bike and pedestrian paths, and the realignment of tram tracks into the centre of the roadway, to provide additional parkland and recreational space.

During this time you are likely to see a number of changes along Harbour Esplanade including the replacement of trees, the realignment of the tram lines, roadworks, and the creation of dedicated bike and pedestrian paths.

Over the next months you’ll see the following changes take place:

Trees
The first works you are likely to see will be the removal of existing trees, enabling the relocation of the tram tracks to follow. Of the 35 palm trees that currently line Harbour Esplanade, 24 will be relocated to an alternative location within Docklands, with the balance remaining in place until plans for subsequent stages are finalised.

During the latter part of Stage 1 these trees will be replaced with a boulevard of around 210 Norfolk Island Pines, synonymous with many of Australia’s coastal waterfront settings.

Trams
Trams on Routes 30, 70, 86 and the free City Circle Tram will continue to operate as normal during the majority of the first stage of works. However tram services will be affected over a five day period later in the year.

VicUrban and Yarra Trams will provide further information regarding the five day closure closer to the dates. A bus replacement service will operate during this closure.

Traffic
One traffic lane in both directions along Harbour Esplanade will be maintained for the majority of the first stage of works. However there will be a need to close Harbour Esplanade to traffic between Bourke and La Trobe Streets for five days later in the year during construction of the new tram track connections. Traffic diversions will be in place during these dates.

VicUrban and Yarra Yrams will provide further information regarding the five day closure closer to the dates.

Bike paths
Cyclists will continue using the existing bike paths until Stage 1 is complete.

Stage 1 works will see the Capital City trail between Bourke Street and Docklands Drive realigned, creating a dedicated path that will run along the tree-lined boulevard, adjacent but separate to a pedestrian footpath.

Pedestrian paths
There will be minimal impact to pedestrians during works. Pedestrian access will be maintained to businesses throughout construction and crossing points will be situated throughout the length of Harbour Esplanade.

Stage 1 will free up waterfront space along Harbour Esplanade allowing for a separate pedestrian pathway.

Further information:
To stay informed with the progress of Stage 1 works, keep an eye on docklands.com. For enquiries, call Jackie Steel. Tel: 03 8317 3447.

To be provided with updates via an electronic newsletter, please email harbour.esplanade@vicurban.vic.gov.au.

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Illustrations, diagrams and plans shown in this website are artist impressions for presentation purposes only and are subject to change.