The master plan will transform City Road into a safe and welcoming place for everyone. It proposes a series of capital works projects, with an estimated total implementation cost of $38.5 million over a seven year period.
Detailed design and delivery is underway for a number of the individual actions proposed in the master plan. The ongoing delivery of these actions will be considered by Council as part of future annual budget and service planning processes.
The master plan has been prepared in partnership with VicRoads, the authority responsible for management of the carriageway. VicRoads support the final master plan and will continue working with the City of Melbourne on its implementation.
The master plan aims to improve the environmental sustainability of City Road through achieving urban forest and permeability objectives, while helping to respond to flooding issues in Southbank through water sensitive urban design. It also aims to improve the amenity of the street by encouraging more people to walk, cycle and take public transport.
A range of funding sources will be considered throughout the implementation of the City Road Master Plan, including Capital Works budgets, the Bike Plan budget, the Parking Levy, public open space contributions and development contributions.
The City Road Master Plan was recognized by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) at its 2017 National Awards as the winner of ‘Best Planning Ideas – Small Project’, and as the winner of both ‘Best Planning Ideas – Small Project’ and ‘Public Engagement and Community Planning’ at the 2016 PIA Victorian Awards.
The final City Road Master Plan can be viewed below.
Works and design currently underway
Due to the significant size and complexity of the proposed works and wide range of stakeholders involved, the implementation of the City Road Master Plan will be staged and budgeted for over a number of years.
Master Plan Actions that are funded and now underway are outlined below.
Action 2: Reimagine Kings Way undercroft as a community space
The Kings Way Undercroft and surrounding area presents opportunities for pedestrian and cyclist improvements as well as potential open space upgrades. Distinct project areas currently being investigated and developed include:
Southern undercroft
Currently at detailed design stage, the design will continue to be developed during the second half of 2019 and construction is anticipated to commence during the first half of 2020. It is envisioned the new spaces will include amenity improvements including additional tree planting, improved paving and fencing, additional lighting and new street furniture.
Northern undercroft
Currently at concept design stage, the design will continue to be developed throughout the 2019-2020 financial year. It is envisioned new public spaces will be created including multipurpose sports courts, skate spaces, garden beds and public plaza spaces. Discussions will continue with relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure the best outcome for the shared space.
City Road Park
Currently at concept design stage, the design will continue to be developed throughout the 2019-2020 financial year.
Action 5: Connect the gardens
Works are underway for a new pedestrian crossing on Alexandra Avenue, mid-way between St Kilda Road and Linlithgow Avenue and new path connections to the existing path network. The new pedestrian-operated signals will improve pedestrian safety and access in the area.
A detailed plan has been developed for relevant authority approval. The design considers neighbouring heritage listed trees and will be constructed to avoid major root and limb disturbance.
It is anticipated construction will commence during the second half of 2019 and the crossing will be operational by the end of the year.