The Greenline Project is a once in a lifetime city shaping project that will revitalise the north bank of the Yarra River – Birrarung.

The project supports Council and community strategic aims to promote the health and wellbeing of city residents, workers and visitors, improve the health of the river and its ecologies, and the future prosperity of the city.

The project also supports the long-term community vision for social, economic and environmental improvements to the Yarra River-Birrraung set out in the State Government’s Yarra Strategic Plan.

The Greenline Project stretches along the north bank of the Yarra River – Birrarung between Birrarung Marr and Victoria Harbour, adjacent to Melbourne’s central business district for much of its length. At key public spaces along the northern river bank, The Greenline Project incorporates adjacent areas including urban streetscape renewals and public open spaces. Specific parks include Enterprize Park and Customs Square, Batman Park and Docklands Park South. The renewal of Seafarers Rest Park will also form part of The Greenline Project.

A master plan outlines a vision for the future of The Greenline Project and establishes the principles and actions that will guide improvements along the north bank over the life of the project.

Developing a master plan involves a combination of research, planning, technical assessments, design testing and key stakeholder and community engagement. It will outline a clear framework for the physical, economic and social transformation of the north bank of the Yarra River – Birrarung along the extent of the Greenline Project and support its delivery over the next few years.

The draft Master Plan has been developed to progress the overall design objectives and strategies for the Greenline Project. It reflects feedback received through previous community and stakeholder consultation and on the Greenline Implementation Plan and the most recent Informing the Greenline Project Master Plan undertaken in April and May this year.

The Draft Master Plan maps out each component of the 4km journey, how the spaces will be used, and identifies what will be delivered in each precinct along the north bank.

Each precinct is outlined in greater detail, providing a clear view of what would be planned and the experience it would provide for visitors.

Planning on The Greenline Project is already underway with the endorsement of The Greenline Project Implementation Plan in December 2021, and the Concept Design for the first project at Birrarung Marr’s river edge endorsed by Council in December 2022. Early works to deliver this first project are anticipated to commence in late 2023 with construction to follow in early 2024.

The endorsed Greenline Implementation Plan schedules delivery of The Greenline Project through to 2028. This timeline is indicative and subject to approvals.

Individual projects within The Greenline Project will be prioritised for delivery in the short, medium and long term. Regular updates will be provided, and the community will be invited to provide input and feedback as The Greenline Project continues to develop, and as the Master Plan and project plans are prepared in more detail.

Recognising and highlighting contemporary Aboriginal culture and heritage and the significance of the Birrarung is a critical component of The Greenline Project. The City of Melbourne is working with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation as the Registered Aboriginal Party and the Traditional Owners for The Greenline Project area. This includes identifying opportunities to acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal culture and knowledge along the Yarra River - Birrarung.

This knowledge will help shape open spaces along both sides of the river (as part of the broader Yarra River - Birrarung Strategy) and inform the experiences of the Greenline Project. This includes potential for truth-telling and enhancing ecological diversity within the central city to improve the health of the river and its surrounding Country.

The City of Melbourne is engaging with Traditional Owners to contribute to the development of the Greenline Project. Traditional Owners are providing ongoing guidance, and the values, priorities and aspirations identified will inform the evolution of the Greenline Project and the broader city river.

The Master Plan is being delivered by a multidisciplinary design consortium led by ASPECT X TCL – in close collaboration with City of Melbourne.

The Draft Master Plan outlines that the project must promote universal accessibility and inclusive design principles in each of its projects. It notes that currently there is limited universal access in some of the key connections along the north bank.

The Draft Master Plan also outlines safety of design is paramount, and that considerations such as children’s safety around water must be factored into the designs for each precinct. 

The document states that any potential changes to berthing infrastructure would only be undertaken in consultation with key stakeholders. In the Saltwater Wharf Precinct for example, it states that additional berthing opportunities will be explored and we’ll retain and service these facilities.

The Floating Wetlands trial was installed in 2022-23. The wetlands were funded by the Victorian Government for $700,000, with sites in Docklands and at Enterprize Park (next to Melbourne Aquarium).

In 2022, we presented a concept for the first project we will be delivering along the river’s edge in Birrarung Marr which was endorsed by Council in December 2022 following community engagement.

The tender process for delivering Site 1 is underway. While we had hoped works would start sooner, we now anticipate early works for the project will commence in late 2023 with construction to follow in early 2024.

The 2022–23 budget was used to accelerate Site 1 planning, design work and community consultation on the Master Plan and Site 1.

This project will improve ecology and biodiversity along this parkland edge, with new boardwalks and an improved promenade providing varied journeys and vantage points for day to day experiences of the river. Improved gathering places will allow for cultural practices and education, and continue to be a place for celebration and major events for the city.