The first stage of works to transform Docklands’ Harbour Esplanade into a new harbourside destination commenced on Monday 7 June.

The Harbour Esplanade redevelopment will ultimately see this important public space transformed into a unique harbourside park for Melbourne.

The redevelopment will be delivered in stages, with the first stage due for completion in 2011.

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

Over the coming months people living, working and visiting Docklands are likely to see the following changes take place:

Trees

The first works people are likely to see will be the removal of existing trees, enabling the relocation of the tram tracks to follow. Of the 35 palm trees that currently line Harbour Esplanade, 24 will be temporarily relocated to the Established Tree Transplanters Nursery at Hoddles Creek and will later be re-planted at an alternative location within Docklands. The balance will remain in place until plans for subsequent stages are finalised.

By the end of 2010 these trees will be replaced with a boulevard of around 210 Norfolk Island Pines, synonymous with many of Australia’s coastal waterfront settings.

Trams

Trams on Routes 30, 70, 86 and the free City Circle Tram will continue to operate as normal during works however it is expected that tram services will be affected over a two day period (Saturday 14 to Sunday 15 August) and a separate five day period (Monday 30 August to Friday 3 September). During the five day period trams will be replaced by buses. Further information will be provided closer to the dates.

Traffic

One traffic lane in both directions along Harbour Esplanade will be maintained for the majority of the first stage of works. However there will be a need to close Harbour Esplanade to traffic between Dockland Drive and La Trobe Street for two days (Saturday 14 to Sunday 15 August) and between Bourke and La Trobe Streets for five days (Monday 30 August to Friday 3 September) during construction of the new tram track connections. Traffic diversions will
be in place during these dates.

Bike paths

Cyclists will continue using the existing bike paths until Stage 1 is complete.
Stage 1 works will see the Capital City trail between Bourke Street and Docklands Drive re-aligned, creating a dedicated path that will run along the tree-lined boulevard, adjacent but separate to a pedestrian footpath.

Pedestrian paths

There will be minimal impact to pedestrians during works. Pedestrian access will be maintained to businesses throughout construction and crossing points will be situated throughout the length of Harbour Esplanade.

Further information
To stay informed with the progress of Stage 1 works, visit www.docklands.com