VicUrban has confirmed that the first stage of works to transform Docklands’ Harbour Esplanade into a waterfront destination is expected to commence in May 2010.

The Harbour Esplanade redevelopment will ultimately see this key area of public space transformed into a major waterfront destination, creating a unique harbour front park for Melbourne and completing the city’s inner ring of parks. The new green spine will also better connect the precincts within Docklands.

The first stage of works, between Bourke Street and Docklands Drive, will see the creation of a tree-lined boulevard, dedicated bike and pedestrian paths, and the realignment of tram tracks into the roadway to provide additional parkland and recreational space.

The redevelopment will be delivered in stages.

What does Stage 1 involve?
The first works people are likely to see will be the removal of existing
trees, enabling relocation of the tram tracks to follow.

These trees will be later replaced with a boulevard of around 230 Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island Pines).

The tram tracks will be located in the road reserve, similar to most
tram tracks in Melbourne Stage 1 will also see two super stops, allowing commuters to board trams with ease.

Stage 1 will take around 12 months to complete. Impact on tram services:
Trams will continue to operate throughout the construction of Stage 1 on the existing lines. They will then transfer to the realigned configuration.

The change over from the existing alignment to the new alignment will involve some disruption to tram services. VicUrban and Yarra Trams will work together to minimise the impact. Information on the impacts to tram services will be provided by Yarra Trams once the date of the switch-over is agreed.

Impact on traffic:
Traffic along the length of Harbour Esplanade will be maintained as far as practicable during Stage 1 with the exception of a few days mid year where the road between Bourke and La Trobe Streets will be closed to through traffic, at which time diversions will be in place.

On completion a parallel parking lane will exist along the majority of Harbour Esplanade’s length in each direction.

Impact on cyclists:
The Capital City trail will be realigned, creating a dedicated path that will run along the tree-lined boulevard, adjacent but separate to a pedestrian footpath.

The existing on-road lanes will be removed, with all cyclists encouraged
to use the dedicated path which links with the off-road paths. Cyclists will continue using the existing bike paths until Stage 1 is complete.

Impact on pedestrians:
Stage 1 will free up waterfront space along Harbour Esplanade allowing for a separate pedestrian pathway. Upon completion pedestrians will have access to seven designated areas for crossing the realigned tram tracks, with zebra crossing, signed crossings and informal crossing points along the length of the Harbour Esplanade.

What next?
The latest concept plans for the planned recreational and parkland area are expected to be released for further public consultation mid year.

Keep an eye on
www.docklands.com for details