Urban renewal given priority in Victoria

WHEELERS HILL, Australia - Feb. 24, 2016 - PRLog -- 24^th February, Melbourne, VIC: Melbourne features one of Australia’s most extensive urban sprawls, providing  a prime opportunity to mould and shape existing areas in residential and commercial spaces within the city’s vast metropolitan landscape.

In 2015 the Victorian government released the Plan Melbourne Refresh initiative, which will form the beginning of better governance, planning, regulation and funding for state urban renewal projects, over a range of short, medium and long term objectives.

With steady population increases in both inner-city and rural areas, the Victorian government hopes to transform existing, underutilised industrial areas into vibrant, social hubs, with plans including the E-Gate railyard site redevelopment on Melbourne’s CBD edge.

The plan aims to develop a new urban community on the 20-hectare site, which sits adjacent to Docklands and West Melbourne. The project is expected to generate $3-4 billion worth of investment for the state and create more than 5000 jobs over the next 25 years.

The residential community intends to house around 10,000 residents as one of Melbourne’s most fashionable inner city suburbs, with an array of new parklands, as well as integration with the existing transport network.

The Queen Victoria Market, which holds a strong cultural significance dating back to 19^th century, is also being considered for a makeover with a commitment of up to $250 million from City of Melbourne to transform the precinct and provide new facilities.

With various drafts and master plans under discussion, the Queen Victoria Market precinct transformation will enhance facilities for traders and market visitors by providing extra open spaces and places for events and dining.

Plans for the market include the division of the seven-hectare market site into four quarters, each with its own unique characteristics, opportunities and potential future use, with the aim of promoting growth and prosperity in the urban sphere.

The Victorian government has also established a number of authorities to facilitate in the transformation of underutilised or urban space, with the development of Places Victoria in 2011.

Places Victoria aims to deliver a ‘city shaping’ opportunity for metropolitan Melbourne, by expanding the central city while creating distinctive and vibrant new places to live. Some of these practices include the creation of transport and community infrastructure before demand exceeds supply.

As a forum to discuss the extensive range of urban renewal projects taking place across the state, the 7^th Annual Victorian Major Projects Conference will be taking place in April at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, as an opportunity for businesses to review prominent projects taking place in the realm of urban renewal.

The two day conference provides highly valuable networking opportunities for project managers, operators, contractors, consultants and investors to capitalise on viable business opportunities.

The 7^th Annual Victorian Major Projects Conference (http://www.viconference.com.au/) is being held on the 19^th & 20^th of April 2016 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

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