A uni, casino and low-rise housing: The Docklands that might have been
Early plans for Melbourne's Docklands envisioned a university, casino, and low-rise housing, a stark contrast to the high-density development seen today.Summary
The article details a very different vision for Melbourne’s Docklands that existed in the final years of the Cain and Kirner governments. This plan, predating Jeff Kennett’s redevelopment, included a university, a casino set in parkland, a focus on medium-density and low-rise housing (with most buildings under 12 stories and 10% public housing), a technology hub, and extensive open space. Internal government documents from 1990-1992 reveal the project faced controversy and skepticism even then, particularly regarding the economic climate and the feasibility of funding infrastructure. The plans were ambitious, including a rapid transit link to the airport and a potential ‘teleport’ satellite hub, but were ultimately abandoned due to Victoria’s financial crisis and the change in government in 1992. Kennett’s subsequent approach prioritized market-driven development, resulting in the high-density, privately-invested Docklands we know today.
(Source：The Sydney Morning Herald)