Southbank To Welcome Vibrant New Park And Community Space

Southbank's Riverside Quay precinct is set to welcome a revitalised Riverside Square park to be delivered by Mirvac on behalf of the City of Melbourne.

Addressing the need for quality open space in the precinct, Mirvac partnered with the City of Melbourne to deliver a public park for local workers and residents.

Landscape architect, McGregor Coxall, was appointed to design the park according to the community-led vision. A three-day community engagement prototype event was held at the site to test distinct park features and understand community aspirations.

The final park design will include 1,200 square metres of new landscaping, outdoor working areas, communal facilities and seating.

Campbell Hanan, Head of Office and Industrial at Mirvac, says the new park will be a great extension of the Riverside Quay development, creating a new community hub and bringing tenants and local residents together.

[related reading: Melbourne Office Building 2 Riverside Quay Completed Ahead of Schedule]

The plan for Riverside Square was developed following a community-led design process where Mirvac consulted with local residents, businesses and authorities before commencing the design process. Representatives of residents and businesspeople from the local community subsequently formed a community reference group who guided the direction of the public space through the design process.

The community reference group consisted of local residents and businesspeople, as well as representatives from the Southbank Residents Association and Yarra River Business Association.

Tony Penna, President of the Southbank Residents Association, says the upgrade of the Riverside Quay precinct was a welcome initiative to transform a public open space that was significantly under-utilised and often overlooked by the community.

“Southbank Residents Association commends Mirvac and the City of Melbourne on the establishment of a community working group to collaboratively reshape and reimagine this space and we were pleased to participate in the process. We are looking forward to seeing a new and improved space at the end of the project and one that is embraced by the entire community; locals, workers and tourists alike.”

Christian Borchert, Director of McGregor Coxall says the master plan is inspired by the historic wetland environment of the area and will establish the public realm as an expression of its ecological diversity and cultural heritage.

“The success of its renewal today will be measured by the quality of its public life through social, environmental and economic well-being.

“The investment of time, energy and engagement by those who live, work and visit Riverside Quay will be the foundation for its prosperity. We are aiming to create an inviting and authentic, local part of Melbourne; a village heart amidst life in a global city.”

Riverside Square is due for completion in October 2017 and will be open to the public.