City of Melbourne reveals it underspent $133.5m on construction projects

City of Melbourne has revealed it underspent $133.5m on area that will be vital in attracting tourists back to the CBD.

Construction of significant projects in the inner city will be ramped up over the next year after the pandemic stalled works in recent times.

Projects like the Queen Victoria Market redevelopment and Greenline linear park will be the focus of City of Melbourne efforts to boost inner city amenity.

Blaming Covid effects, the council underspent $133.5m on works in 2021-22, causing delays for several projects, including bike lane rollouts and open space expansion.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the council’s 2022-23 budget had a record $253.5m investment in infrastructure and capital works.

“The City of Melbourne will be ramping up the delivery of capital works over the next financial year as we shake off the shackles of COVID-19, and welcome back more visitors, workers and residents than ever before,” she said.

A design of how Queen Victoria Market could look.

“This includes major progress on city-shaping projects such as the QVM precinct renewal, the creation of more public spaces in Southbank, as well as commencement of the Birrarung Marr precinct of our Greenline project.”

“The city also remains committed to delivering upgraded footpaths and roads, additional greenery and improved recreational spaces in the next quarter, as we know it’s these types of projects that have some of the greatest impacts on our community.”

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra called for specific action.

“We believe the focus needs to be on making the CBD as accessible and presentable as possible so we can attract more people back to the city, particularly on weekdays,” he said.

“This will help CBD businesses and accelerate the city’s revival. We must urgently strive to be the world’s most liveable city once again.”

Ms Capp said despite pandemic setbacks, the council had still delivered a range of impressive capital works in the last quarter of 2021-22.

“These include the completion of Enterprize Park, continued works on Southbank Promenade and Southbank Boulevard, and major progress on the QVM renewal project,” she said.

How the first stage of Greenline project at Birrarung Marr could look. Picture : City of Melbourne.

“City of Melbourne is delivering eye-catching projects that continue to boost our status as one of the world’s best and most beautiful places to live.”

A separate council report on the QVM renewal said that only $96m of the $267m total budget had been spent so far.

“Delivery of the $50m 2021-22 budget was impacted by the delayed market infrastructure project, rescheduling the Franklin St streetscape and heritage shed restoration timing,” said council’s general manager property, infrastructure and design Roger Teale.

Mr Teale said work was continuing on the new food hall, three-quarters of the heritage sheds had been restored, and seven hospitality venues had been secured for the Munro development near the market.