Building a Docklands with vision: the importance of thoughtful development

Docklands, once a bustling industrial hub, now stands as one of Melbourne’s most significant redevelopment projects.

Over the past few decades, we have seen this area transform from a neglected waterfront into a vibrant precinct, home to businesses, residences, and cultural landmarks.

However, as we continue to shape the future of Docklands, it is crucial that we do so with vision, ensuring that development is not just rapid but also thoughtful, sustainable, and inclusive.

The Docklands area is a unique opportunity for Melbourne – a chance to expand our city’s footprint in a way that reflects our values of community, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

As a councillor for the City of Melbourne, I am committed to ensuring that the development of Docklands and across Melbourne is guided by these principles, creating a space that benefits not only current residents but also future generations and our many businesses.

Development with vision means planning for the long term. It means considering how the decisions we make today will shape the Docklands of tomorrow. As we continue to see new buildings rise and more people call this area home, we must ask ourselves: what kind of community do we want Docklands to be?

For me, the answer is clear. Docklands should be a place where people can live, work, and play – a dynamic community that is as diverse as it is connected. To achieve this, we need to curate mixed-use development, which integrates the residential, commercial, and public spaces in a strategic and understanding way.

This approach not only creates a more vibrant and active area but also helps to build a sense of community, where people from different walks of life can come together.

Importantly, it’s a family-friendly community, where kids and adults alike feel safe and part of a community. It is our water gateway to the city and is an asset to Melbourne that we must celebrate with pride.

We have existing and new businesses that are committed to Docklands, and they are successful because they engage with community to their benefit. It’s critical we plan in a way that recognises these factors – because Docklands is no longer an open field, it has a community here.

In the face of climate change, sustainability must be at the heart of all our development plans. Docklands offers us a unique opportunity to set a benchmark for environmentally responsible urban development.

One key aspect of sustainable development is the integration of green spaces. Parks, gardens, and waterfront areas not only provide much-needed recreational spaces but also help to combat the urban heat island effect and improve air quality. These spaces also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of Docklands and Melbourne, making it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors.

Docklands has the potential to be a major driver of economic growth for Melbourne. With its proximity to the CBD and its unique waterfront location, the area is ideally positioned to attract businesses, particularly in the creative and tech industries.

However, to fully realise this potential, we need to foster an environment that encourages innovation and supports startups and entrepreneurs.

While development is essential, it is equally important to preserve the unique character and heritage of Docklands. This area has a rich maritime history, and as we build for the future, we must also honour the past.

This can be achieved by integrating heritage buildings and landmarks into new developments. It can also include educational programs in schools that provide options in maritime careers for Docklands’ youth.

Finally, successful development in Docklands requires a collaborative approach. This means engaging with the community, listening to their needs and concerns, and working together to create a shared vision for the area. It also means collaborating with developers, businesses, and other stakeholders to ensure that development is aligned with the broader goals of the city.

That’s why the latest proposal from Development Victoria has completely fallen on deaf ears. It’s jarring, doesn’t consider the opportunity to connect Docklands to the city or solve any of the physical issues caused by Development Victoria’s lacklustre vision, and is an incredible shame.

All is not lost, and hopefully continued conversation means the AFL might consider being a good neighbour and push to integrate changes that do the right thing.

As we look to the future of Docklands, let us work towards a development strategy that is visionary, sustainable, and inclusive. By doing so, we can create a Docklands that is not just another high-rise village but a vibrant, thriving community that reflects the best of Melbourne. Ultimately, it’s people that make community, not buildings.

Sign the petition to demand the new development considers the Docklands community, check it out on my Facebook page @thejamalhakim •