Shrine to Sea: New boulevard to run from Shrine of Remembrance to Port Phillip Bay
Look out St Kilda Rd, there’s a new boulevard coming to Melbourne. Beginning at the Shrine, the future landmark will pay homage to famous locals and even our most famous spread.
Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Melbourne is to get a new boulevard stretching from the Shrine of Remembrance to Port Phillip Bay.
The 3km thoroughfare, to run along Albert and Kerferd roads, is set to open by the end of 2023.
It will showcase the history of the area, which includes the place where Vegemite was invented and the home of Walter “Wally” Lindrum — the Donald Bradman of English billiards.
Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio told the Herald Sun the public was being invited to give their ideas on the $13 million Shrine to Sea project, which will begin at the Domain Parklands which house the shrine.
The boulevard will meet Port Phillip Bay at heritage-listed Kerferd Road Pier.
“This project will celebrate the unique charm and character of Melbourne while showcasing our local legends and historic landmarks,’’ Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“I encourage Victorians to contribute their ideas so we can ensure this boulevard ticks all the boxes in connecting the gardens to the sea while providing more open green space and improving Melbourne’s liveability.”
New trees will be planted along the route, to include safety upgrades for pedestrians and cyclists.
Links to surrounding arts and sport venues including the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, adjoining cycling and walking trails and retail and restaurant strips will be improved.
The new Anzac Station, to be built as part of the $11 billion Metro Tunnel, is at the boulevards’s Albert Road end.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning is leading the project.
Port Phillip Council, Parks Victoria and the Department of Transport are also involved.
RSL state president Dr Robert Webster, a Shrine of Remembrance trustee, said the boulevard could provide a new way to honour Melbourne’s military history.
“Anything I think that engenders pride in our military and pride in our community ought to be examined and discussed,’’ Dr Webster said.
“It does provide a really nice linkage down to the water.
“The shrine is a bookend and it’s also a destination.”
The route includes several historic landmarks.
Food manufacturer Fred Walker in 1922 appointed chemist Cyril Callister to develop Vegemite at the former South Melbourne College building at 82 Kerferd Road Albert Park, with a stone now commemorating the creation of the Aussie icon.
Walter Lindrum, hailed the world’s greatest billiards player, lived at 158 Kerferd Road.
He was world champion from 1933 until 1950 when he retired and held more than 50 world records.
A public survey, which follows consultation form Parks Victoria on the long-awaited project, is open until early November.
For more information, visit engage.vic.gov.au/shrinetosea.