City of Melbourne releases design of new park Seafarers Rest on Yarra River’s north bank
A neglected part of the Yarra River’s north bank is to get a new park as part of a $500 million redevelopment with a maritime theme. Here’s how it will look once complete.
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A $5 million park with a maritime theme is to be created in a neglected part of the Yarra River’s north bank.
Seafarers Rest will feature lawns linking the park to the river, a play wharf, events deck and “urban forest”.
The new green space is a venture between developer Riverlee – which has approval for the adjoining $500 million Seafarers mixed use development – the City of Melbourne and state Department of Treasury and Finance.
City councillors will consider the 3500 sqm park’s design at a meeting on Tuesday night, while public consultation is due to start on Wednesday.
Located next to Flinders St’s historic Mission To Seafarers building, the park is part of a north bank plan to link Docklands and Birrarung Marr via parks and open spaces.
The council’s planning portfolio chairman Nicholas Reece said it would be a welcome spot for people living or working in the built-up city to relax and play.
“The sunny lawns connect the new park to the river promenade and take advantage of views overlooking the Yarra, South Wharf Promenade and Polly Woodside,” he said.
“It reflects the site’s maritime heritage and incorporates many ideas received from the community about how people would like to use and enjoy the space.”
Riverlee Development director David Lee said the design by landscape architects Oculus would inject new life into an area that’s been derelict for more than 40 years.
“Seafarers Rest will look to incorporate relevant existing objects connected to the site, along with some new design elements and materials that reference the site’s past,” he said.
The Seafarers development will include restoration of an old goods shed, wharf and dock crane to create a riverside precinct comprising Australia’s first 1 Hotel, 123 luxury apartments, a world-class events venue, health centre and food and drink outlets.
The restored electric crane, the city’s only surviving one, will be integrated with the new park.
The development is expected to be completed in 2023.
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