Case Study Reflection Two: Melbourne Docklands

I never new much about Melbourne's Docklands. The only think that came into mind was that it was a deserted shipyard turned into a residential and commercial zone. I pretty much guessed that based on its name 'Docklands'. However, after seeing the presentation and doing a little bit of research I didn't expect to find out so much about it. It is considered to be the largest urban renewal project in the country and judging by its size who can argue?. Located 2km west from Melbourne's CBD, along the banks of the Yarra River it currently houses over 8,300 residents, corporate head offices such as ANZ, NAB, Channel 9 and Channel 7 etc, over 100 retailers, Etihad Stadium and over 100 commercial hubs. The Docklands suffered severe degradation over the years and had become a wasteland however the Victorian government had plans to revitalize it and sow it into the main CBD. The early stages of the urban renewal project at Docklands began in the early 1990's with task forces commissioned to devise an infrastructure strategy that will enable development to proceed. Public consultation took place during these early years. The colossal project began in 1997, with the project now past its mid-way point many can recognize the Docklands as an integral part of the main CBD of Melbourne. Despite not yet near completion (Likely to be finished by 2025) this formerly derelict wasteland has now become a residential and commercial waterfront that has improved access and mobility with transport networks successfully integrated with the overall system of the CBD. These developments are imperative due to the fact that the Docklands is likely to have substantial growth over the next couple of years as Melbourne continues to rise in population growth. The Docklands Community and Place Plan outlines the potential needs for Docklands as it has past its halfway mark in construction. The document includes a diversity of housing options that will able to facilitate low to moderate income earners, promote local businesses and enterprises. deliver sustainable landscapes that are adaptable to the climates, maintaining high levels of environmentally sustainable commercial buildings and other public realms and improving the water quality around the harbour to allow recreational activities to take place such as swimming. My overall opinion of Docklands is that it has succeeded thus far in maintaining a residential and commercial hub that is sown into the CBD however future growth and climatic changes means more challenges ahead for the project. 

References:

City of Melbourne. 2013. Docklands Community and Place Plan.Online. Available at: https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutMelbourne/PrecinctsandSuburbs/Docklands/Pages/DocklandsCommunityPlacePlan.aspx. [Accessed 06 May 14]

Docklands. 2013. Docklands Future.Online. Available at: http://www.docklands.com/cs/Satellite?c=VPage&cid=1363252821358&pagename=Docklands2%2FVPage%2FDLPage. [Accessed 06 May 14]