Arron Wood pledges $9.2m to transform Southbank’s Queensbridge Square to green space

Lord mayoral hopeful Arron Wood has pledged $9.2m to transform Queensbridge Square to a green space by demolishing its controversial red stairs, if elected to the city’s top job.

Sara Barron and Bree Moran take a break on Southbank’s infamous red stairs. Picture: David Caird

Lord mayoral hopeful Arron Wood has pledged $9.2m to transform Queensbridge Square to a green space by demolishing its controversial red stairs, if elected to the city’s top job.

Under the proposed project Mr Wood and his running mate Erin Deering would plant native trees, install public seating and improve lighting to the promenade near the Yarra River.

The proposal also includes knocking down its “ugly” red stairs that have plagued Southbank for years.

Mr Wood said the square was “drab, grey and poorly maintained”.

“Queensbridge Square should be an iconic public space for Melbourne and be a place where locals and visitors want to go to,” he said.

Render of a proposed revamp of Queensbridge Square. Picture: Supplied

Arron Wood has pledged $9.2m to transform Queensbridge Square to a green space by demolishing its controversial red stairs. Picture: David Caird

“We should re-imagine what Queensbridge Square is used for and turn it into more green space – by delivering a better public space we can still host events but also provide a key green space for local residents and workers to use every day.

“We will redesign the square by planting trees, adding public seating and making it a place to stop and enjoy a meal from the nearby restaurants and cafes rather than an under-utilised and poorly maintained space.”

In August, Lord Mayor Nick Reece announced plans to makeover the stairs by holding a competition for designers to submit their ideas.

“There’s a huge opportunity here to create a modern meeting place for Melburnians,” he said.

Candidate for Lord Mayor of Melbourne Arron Wood and Deputy Lord Mayoral candidate Erin Deering. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

But Mr Wood said Southbank had suffered from Town Hall’s “neglect” over the past four years.

“Unfortunately, Nick Reece and his team are talkers instead of doers – and local residents and businesses are losing out from their lack of action,” he said.

“The state of Southbank Promenade and Queensbridge Square is embarrassing.

“We will work closely with the Yarra River Business Association on the design for this upgrade and ensure that feedback from nearby restaurants and cafes is included in the plans.”

The lord mayoral race has entered its final week, with voters required to post their ballots by October 25.

Originally published as Arron Wood pledges $9.2m to transform Southbank’s Queensbridge Square to green space