Part of Spencer St will be turned into a vibrant boulevard under a plan to revitalise West Melbourne

A NEGLECTED pocket of the inner city is to be revitalised under an ambitious plan by Melbourne City Council, transforming part of Spencer St into a vibrant boulevard of cafes and shops.

SECTION of Spencer St would become a vibrant boulevard of shops and cafes under a Melbourne City Council plan to revitalise neglected West Melbourne.

An extension of the Spencer St tram line to Footscray and the Arden precinct in North Melbourne is also on the council’s wish list.

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City councillors will tomorrow consider a planning amendment for West Melbourne, a semi-industrial pocket near Queen Victoria Market, the Flagstaff Gardens and busy Errol St.

Under the plan, an extra 5500 dwellings and 4500 jobs would be created, and more trees and open space added.

Artist image for West Melbourne structure plan at Spencer Street looking southeast toward Dudley Street.

What the street looks like now. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Pedestrian and cycling links would be improved.

Five precincts are envisaged: Spencer, Flagstaff, Adderley, Station and Historic Hilltop. Adjacent urban renewal areas like Arden and E-Gate would influence the development.

Nearby North Melbourne station would be renamed West Melbourne under Metro Tunnel project changes.

The council’s plan says Spencer St would become a ­vibrant and active mixed-use “high street” with shops, cafes and restaurants.

“The high street will accommodate local businesses to provide everyday needs within walking distance for residents, promoting more sustainable and healthier travel,” it said.

Artist image for West Melbourne structure plan at Hawke Street linear park looking southwest towards Adderley Street.

What Hawke St looks like now. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

The plan also includes environmental initiatives such as green rooftops, increased solar use and permeable paving to cool the area and cut flood risk.

There will be an 11m mandatory height limit for developments in the general residential zone following a review by the state government.

Planning portfolio chairman Cr Nicholas Reece said Melbourne was growing fast and people increasingly wanted to live and work in the city.

“This is particularly true in West Melbourne where the number of homes has nearly doubled in the past 10 years and will continue to grow. The proposed plan will enable the right balance between residential and commercial development, while protecting the area’s character and heritage.

@JMasanauskas