An important milestone on the Southbank Boulevard upgrade has been reached, with work on the open space outside the Melbourne Recital Centre and Southbank Theatre now complete.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said it was exciting to see the precinct taking shape with the new open space designed to entice and connect people to Melbourne's arts and cultural heart.
"The new garden area outside the Melbourne Recital Centre and Southbank Theatre is 1200 square metres and includes 55 large native trees, 16 large grass trees and locally sourced quartzite stone from Castlemaine.
"The new landscaping, plantings and seating has created a vastly improved area for locals, concert goers and visitors to enjoy when the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.
"We look forward to the new space contributing to the enjoyment and atmosphere of Melbourne's key cultural precinct."
"We are excited for what Southbank Boulevard will deliver for workers, residents and visitors when it is complete, but we know the delays have been challenging for all involved. We thank everyone for their patience throughout this project so far.
Deputy Chair of the City of Melbourne's Major Projects portfolio, Councillor Nicholas Reece, said the completion of the arts park follows significant works to create a new tram stop and realign the roadway between St Kilda Road and City Road.
"Southbank is a thriving residential and tourist area and is set to boom over the next 15 years, so we are committed to creating more open space and infrastructure in the area," Cr Reece said.
"The project will deliver 1.1 kilometres of bike lanes to create a connection for cyclists from Swan Street Bridge to Queensbridge Square.
"All roadway, tramline and lighting works are complete, and separated bike lanes have opened along Linlithgow Avenue and Southbank Boulevard. We're looking forward to being able to open the remaining bike paths later this year.
"This project together with the closure of Dodds Street and further works along City Road and Southbank Promenade mean that piece by piece we are transforming Southbank into a pedestrian friendly corner of Melbourne, which is what you'd expect for Australia's most densely populated suburb."
