The State Government has released the Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan.

The plan provides for the strategic and design directions for this vast inner urban precinct. What is now an industrial and commercial land will become a thriving residential and business precinct for over 80,000 people.

The plan will require the provision of new community facilities and the delivery of new public transport. The State Government has already announced the provision of the Fishermans Bend train station as part of the metro tunnel. A new bridge will also be constructed over the Yarra River to provide for tram services into the precinct from Collins Street.

The question for the State Government is how it will fund and develop the necessary infrastructure without turning the site into a mini Hong Kong? Hopefully the past mistakes of Docklands have been learnt, and that the design will reflect the  spaces and values that Melbournians hold dear.

Written by:

Adam Parker is the Director of Town Planning Group, a Melbourne based town planning consultancy.