- $60 million for the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal
- $28 million for the Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre redevelopment
- $17 million for the Greenline Project
- $12 million to renew roads, footpaths and boost safety
The City of Melbourne will deliver a strong pipeline of infrastructure projects and better community facilities to accommodate the city’s growth and bring vital services closer to home.
Council’s draft Budget 2023–24 will invest $247.5 million to support up to 1,000 jobs and boost the economy today, while progressing work on essential community services for the future.
Melburnians and visitors will benefit from the opening of a range of major projects in the coming year, including the new Queen Victoria Market Food Hall, the Munro library and community hub and Southbank’s Dodds Street Linear Park.
A $60 million boost for the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal program will ramp up works on a range of significant projects – including the Trader Shed, which will deliver new trader and customer facilities, as well as upgrades to the Franklin Street streetscape, improving conditions for traders and customers while future-proofing the market for decades to come.
The landmark Greenline Project will break ground, with $17 million for the first stage of works at Birrarung Marr to create an expanded riverside promenade. Council will also unveil The Greenline Project Master Plan – outlining its vision for the city-shaping works.
The draft Budget will provide $28 million to get on with the new Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre, which is slated to open in early 2025. The facility will feature a rejuvenated pool area, full-sized multipurpose courts, health and wellness areas, and a wrap-around café.
A final $3 million will complete the new Munro library and hub, which is set to transform the precinct with a state-of-the-art, 3,100m2 library, family services and community spaces.
The City of Melbourne will create smoother journeys for drivers, improve safety for pedestrians and enhance accessibility for everyone travelling into and around the city.
More than $12 million will renew and maintain our roads and footpaths across almost 80 locations, including $4.2 million to fix potholes and improve road surfaces.
Council will progress work on bike lane projects in 2023–24 to provide a safer journey for all roads users, including Arden Street, Macaulay Road, Royal Parade and Flinders Street. Extensive community consultation will take place on all new designs.
Works will start on the Hawke Street Linear Park as part of a $6 million investment in the Transport Amenity Program – delivering more open space for this growing part of our city.
Feedback on the draft Budget 2023–24 can be provided on Participate Melbourne from 6pm Tuesday 16 May to midnight Thursday 8 June.
After a special meeting of the Future Melbourne Committee to consider community feedback on Tuesday 20 June, the final Budget is expected to be adopted by councillors on Tuesday 27 June 2023.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“Melbourne is Australia’s fastest-growing capital city – that’s why we’re delivering the city-shaping projects and essential services our community needs for the future.”
“We’ve never been busier building a better Melbourne – and this year, we’ll complete some of our biggest projects, including a new Food Hall and library and community hub in the Queen Victoria Market precinct.”
“This draft Budget is about getting the basics right and doing what matters most to our community – whether it’s fixing our roads, improving safety for all road users or building better facilities.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece
“We’re capitalising on our city’s growth – investing in the infrastructure, facilities and services we need to attract even more investment and development into the future, with forecasts showing we’ll assess close to $1 billion of new developments in 2023.”
“As Melbourne continues to grow, these projects will meet the future higher demands for services from locals, while boosting visitor activity for the benefit of our traders.”
Quote attributable to City Transport, Infrastructure and Operations deputy portfolio lead Councillor Davydd Griffiths
“This draft Budget is big on delivery – and we’re looking forward to completing a number of major infrastructure projects over the next 12 months, including an improved Southbank Promenade, a brand-new Brens Pavilion in Royal Park and footpath works on Hardware Lane.”