Marking a monumental milestone in the Seafarers journey, Melbourne’s newest waterfront parkland – Seafarers Rest – has received unanimous support from City of Melbourne’s Future Melbourne Committee.

Located to the immediate east of the heritage-listed Goods Shed 5, the proposed design is in response to an initial community engagement survey where respondents within the local community shared their needs and aspirations for the new space.

This included a place for rest and relaxation, as well as exercise and play, while also improving pedestrian and bicycle access.

Understanding these voices, the 3,500sqm thriving green space has been designed in collaboration with landscape architects Oculus as a way to give back to the city and revitalise and reconnect this forgotten Yarra River frontage with its surroundings, for all to enjoy.

Met with glowing endorsement at this week’s Future Melbourne Committee, Councillor Jackie Watts expressed her support of the design, highlighting the respectful and productive collaboration in celebrating the site’s maritime heritage.

“This is the most significant stretch of wharf in Melbourne’s history…where the crane meets the good shed meets the Mission to Seafarers…Melbourne’s prosperity happened from here”

“There is a fabulous representation of the past reflected in the Oculus design – it’s a great example of collaboration.”

Underutilised for over 40 years and in some ways, forgotten about, Riverlee Development Director David Lee said the proposed design seeks to inject new life and activity into the riverfront by creating a place for the community, designed by the community themselves.

“We’re thrilled to receive unanimous support from the City of Melbourne for our plans to revitalise this forgotten Yarra River frontage.”

“After a year of fruitful collaboration, Melbourne’s newest waterfront parkland will move forward to Stage 2 Community Engagement and we’re excited to continue working closely with the community to deliver a green open space of unprecedented scale.”

Forming part of the broader sustainable precinct that is Seafarers, Melbourne’s newest waterfront parkland protects and enhances Melbourne’s maritime heritage, reinforces the city’s relationship to the Yarra River (Birrarung) and increases urban biodiversity to create a place that provides residents, the local community and tourists a place like no other.

For an exclusive look into the proposed design of Seafarers Rest and to have your say, visit https://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/seafarers-rest