The Melbourne Docklands (postcode: 3008) is a massive urban development in Melbourne, Australia. The district, covering 2 km² and comprising 7 km of waterfront, will nearly double the size of the city's central business district when completed in 2015. The area is expected to become home to 20,000 people by completion, as well as a workplace for 25,000. The estimated number of visitors per day will be 55,000 (over 20 million a year).

With the advent of containerization in the shipping industry, the docks based along the Yarra River to the the west of the central business district became inadequate for the new format of container vessels. The principle docking area shifted closer to the mouth of the Yarra, creating a vast amount of vacant land. In 1989 several architectural firms were invited to discuss how the area could best serve the Melbourne public. A set of design principles was established by the Docklands Authority, which intended to maintain the quality of the public domain. The commission to design the overall plan was granted to the Ashton Raggatt McDougall firm by the Docklands Authority.

Districts

The area is broken up into a number of precints, which are each being designed and built by a different development company.

Batman's Hill

This 0.1 km² area is the closest to the city's major east-west thoroughfare, Collins Street, making it one of the "gateways" between the old and new business districts.

Stadium Precinct

Telstra Dome (originally Docklands Stadium then Colonial Stadium) opened in 2000. It is a 52,000 capacity stadium used primrarily for AFL matches and concert events. The complex is managed by Stadium Operations Ltd, which is owned by the Seven Network.

Some have called it inappropriate for its position, as it forms a visual block between the existing CBD and the Docklands. Nine Network and Triple M commentator John Newman also heavily criticises the stadium because he believes it was built "the wrong way". The stadium faces East to West meaning that, when the roof is open, the sun shines in, blinding one side of the ground. He furiously contends this every time he works at the stadium.

Comtechport

Victoria Harbour

NewQuay

Opened in 2002.

Yarra's Edge

Yarra's Edge is a residential precinct, and the only Docklands precinct south of the Yarra River. It comprises 11 apartment towers, costing $1.3 billion (AUD), and covers 0.15 km². The riverfront promenade incorporated into the development is an extension of the existing Southbank Promenade to the east.

Spencer Street (Southern Cross) Station

See Spencer Street Station.

Waterfront City

Central City Studios

A large film studio complex comprising three sound stages. Opened in 2004.

External links

• Official Website (http://www.docklands.com)

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