City of Melbourne outlines $300m plan for Greenline linear park on Yarra River’s northbank

An ambitious plan to transform the Yarra River’s bank into a 4km green trail has been released, but there’s a catch.

Render of Banana Alley section of proposed Greenline park. Picture: Supplied

Details of an ambitious $300 million plan to create a continuous green trail on the Yarra River’s neglected northbank have been released by the City of Melbourne.

Greenline would be a 4km pathway between Birrarung Marr and Bolte Bridge including new pedestrian bridges and boardwalks, major landscaping and hospitality, cultural and entertainment opportunities.

Based on New York’s famous High Line Park, Greenline would create 1000 jobs, but it will need significant support from state and federal governments, as well as private investment to go ahead.

How Greenline might look near Flinders Street Station. Picture: Supplied

The project would also need approval from various authorities and landowners as the city council doesn’t own or independently manage waterways or Yarra banks.

Under an implementation plan to be considered by councillors on Tuesday, Greenline would be divided into five precincts: Birrarung Marr; Yarro Yarro; River Park; Maritime; and Salt Water Wharf.

Heritage sites along the river would be enhanced and Aboriginal history and stories told through creative installations and signage.

Render of Greenline at Batman Hill Park. Picture: Supplied

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said Greenline would mark one of the city’s biggest transformations since Southbank Promenade in 1990 and Federation Square in 2002.

“New infrastructure including pedestrian bridges and boardwalks will be delivered to improve connectivity and provide a continuous green link throughout northbank, which will allow residents, workers and visitors to view new perspectives of the city,” she said.

“This investment would transform some of the most unloved areas in the city into a series of connected parklands with opportunities for food, art, culture and entertainment.”

New York’s High Line Park. Picture: iStock

Ms Capp’s original vision for Greenline included building a pedestrian and cyclist deck over CBD railway viaducts, similar to High Line Park.

But that idea was shelved as impractical and too costly, with the project scaled down to focus on linking existing and new green spaces.

The Lord Mayor said forecasting showed Greenline would deliver $1 billion in economic activity and create up to 1000 construction jobs.

“The Greenline will become one of Melbourne’s premier destinations … our investment in the waterfront would create jobs for Melburnians and encourage investors to open their

cheque books and deliver new projects,” she said.

City transport, infrastructure and operations deputy lead councillor Roshena Campbell said the project would boost local tourism after pandemic effects by drawing visitors to Greenline.

“Unlocking under-utilised land in the heart of the city is a vital way in which we can stimulate our economy and create local jobs,” she said.

A project budget is being prepared and business cases will be developed for various parts of the plan.