Live, work and play in Docklands

Docklands has received a good score in a “live, work and play” study conducted by consultants PwC.

PwC’s new CityPulse study provides future direction by measuring Melbourne, and its suburbs, in terms of “live, work and play”.

Docklands received the highest possible rating for work (10), an above average rating for play (8.1) and a close to average for live (4.9).

The city averages were: 5.2 for live, 3.8 for work and 4.6 for play.

The study recognised that the CBD’s role as Melbourne’s job centre had spread to the surrounding areas of Docklands, St Kilda Rd, Southbank and Parkville.

“The successful growth of the CBD has spread to surrounding areas. The regeneration of Docklands was also a major new chapter in Melbourne’s overall development, which will continue to the north of that precinct,” the report said.

The report also highlighted planned developments above rail yards from Docklands to Richmond Station, which has started in Docklands with AGL’s new offices above Southern Cross Station.

The report goes on to argue that – despite the success of the CBD and surrounds – land availability, urban sprawl, congestion and low-density factors make a one-centre future questionable.

CityPulse calls for “a polycentric city” with hubs in Monash, LaTrobe, East Werribee and Maribrynong.

Originally published in Docklands News on 28th March 2018