We are seeking community feedback to help inform a maritime heritage feasibility study. This is an initial report to understand the ideas, opportunities and other considerations to inform future planning and decision making.

The area has a rich Aboriginal history. For many thousands of years, the area now known as Docklands was used as a hunting ground and meeting place by the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation. After colonial settlement, the Port of Melbourne became a major trade gateway and it's now Australia’s largest container and cargo port.

A key component of the feasibility study is looking at a refurbishment of the iconic Mission to Seafarers building at 717 Flinders Street.

We want to understand whether community members are interested in a maritime heritage area and how the Mission to Seafarer’s building could contribute to this.

The feasibility study will include options for redeveloping the Seafarers building while keeping the core seafarer services. What other future uses can you imagine for this heritage-listed building?

Do you envisage this building including a community hub, a visitor centre, a maritime museum, and arts space? Any other ideas?

We’ll also explore integrating any future maritime area with walking trails and other Docklands visitor attractions. Share your thoughts now though the survey or ideas wall.

We will share a report of what we heard with the community later this year.

Header image supplied by Mission to Seafarers.