St Kilda Marina set to undergo major makeover
It’s got one of the most iconic views in Melbourne, and now new plans to redevelop St Kilda Marina hope to revitalise the ageing seaside precinct and open it up to the public like never before.
Victoria
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St Kilda Marina would be transformed into a 24 hour destination with restaurants, bars, shops and more public open spaces than ever, in a major revamp proposed for the seaside precinct.
Port Phillip Council will propose redeveloping the marina as part of a lease deal of up to 50 years worth $160 million.
It would see a new retail, food and beverage strip built at the ageing marina, open space increased from four to 50 per cent and better bike and pedestrian paths constructed.
Port Phillip mayor Bernadene Voss said the project was “absolutely massive’’.
“This is a once in a generation opportunity to create a fantastic place to enhance St Kilda’s reputation as Melbourne’s seaside playground,’’ she said.
In a bid to make the picturesque precinct appealing to more than just boating enthusiasts, fencing around the site will be removed and it will become better connected to adjacent public space along St Kilda foreshore.
The public will be able to gain access along the peninsula and the boundary of Marina Reserve.
“All the fencing is coming down, it feels like a prison there, you can’t get access to all the interesting spots,’’ she said.
“No one has ever been out on the peninsula and now that is all going to be open space where you can ride, walk and go down to the beach.
“The views are magnificent out there.’’
Carparking slots will be redesigned as flexible spaces which can be turned into space for community events, such as festivals, markets, sports and recreation.
Retail, food and beverage spaces will be increased on Marine Parade.
The popular bay trail will be realigned to avoid clashes between bikes, pedestrians and cars.
And space will be left for a possible new trail link along the peninsula connected to the Marina Reserve side by a bridge.
Melbourne consortium AMDC has been selected as the preferred tenant for a 35 year lease, with an additional 15 years conditional on meeting performance measures.
The plan will be open for community consultation until August 15 with the council to make a decision on September 16.