Council to consider strategy that would transform neglected parts of the Yarra River
The City of Melbourne will next week debate plans to improve the north bank and other neglected areas of the Yarra River. See how Banana Alley and other eyesores could soon be transformed.
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Banana Alley and other eyesores along the Yarra River could soon be transformed with cafes and walkways in a bid to rejuvenate neglected parts of the CBD.
The City of Melbourne will next week debate the council’s Yarra River-Birrarung Strategy which sets a bold plan to improve the north bank and other forgotten areas.
It also lays the groundwork for Lord Mayor Sally Capp’s ambitious proposal to build a “green line” linking the city’s parks.
Under the strategy, work would begin to redevelop the Banana Alley Vaults with cafes and restaurants while other riverfront areas would also receive new walkways and green space.
Other neglected parts of the river would be beautified to match the appeal of Southbank and Birrarung Marr and more recognition given to its Aboriginal heritage.
“As a city, we’re turning our focus back to the Yarra,” Ms Capp said. “It’s an important asset and there’s an enormous opportunity to revitalise the riverfront. The north bank of the Yarra is on the doorstep of our city. Improving the quality of the existing parks and making better connections between them offers clear benefits for our city.”
The improvements pave the way for the north bank to become the first part of a green wedge of parkland running through the heart of the city. Council will have to work with the state government and other stakeholders to deliver the scheme as it does not own the waterways or banks of the river.
City of Melbourne planning chair Nicholas Reece said it was time Melbourne made better use of its assets.
“For decades, the Yarra was an unloved waterway and became badly degraded,” Cr Reece said.
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“The river should be the natural heart of our city.”
It comes after the council committed to upgrade a 300m section in Southbank to make it more friendly to pedestrians and divert cyclists along other routes.
“Southbank Promenade hasn’t had a major upgrade in more than 25 years so we want to transform it into a riverside park to attract even more people to the area,” he said.
Council staff are also consulting Aboriginal groups about a push to rename the Yarra River.