Overview
Several years in the works, a brand-new green space is ready to make Melbourne's central riverfront a little more lush. Opening on Thursday, June 19, Seafarers Rest is set to become the city's first new riverfront public park in over two decades, bringing 3500 square metres of greenery to Birrarung, aka the Yarra River.
Forming part of North Wharf's revitalisation — a $600 million project led by developer Riverlee in partnership with the City of Melbourne — this stretch between Spencer Street and the Charles Grime Bridge is buoyed even further with the addition of this vibrant, accessible public space. Designed by landscape architecture and urban design practice Oculus, the team's highly integrated approach marries history, ecology and community.
So, what can you expect? Seafarers Rest spans an immersive array of native plantings and generous lawns, bringing a vivid sense of nature to this once-industrial area. Supported by vegetated walking and cycling paths, kids' play areas, rope swings and shipping-inspired seating, there's also space for markets, live music and community gatherings throughout the day and night.
Seafarers Rest dovetails directly with 1 Hotel Melbourne, serving as a green gateway to the luxury hotel's lounge and bar. You might also notice design details that pay homage to the area's Indigenous heritage and rich maritime history, like timber benches inspired by shipping crates alongside curated artefacts hand-picked from the Offshore & Speciality Ships Association.
Credit: Mikkel Vang
"A vital piece of Northbank, Seafarers Rest's green infrastructure promotes wellbeing through connection to place and a celebration of community and culture," says Oculus Associate Director Claire Martin. "The outcomes we will deliver draws heavily on the relationship to the river and the site's maritime history which define the unique character of this part of the city and remain important to Melburnians."
As for the broader North Wharf precinct, it's a mixed-use wonderland, with the 277-room hotel and 114 apartments set to breathe plenty of atmosphere into the area. Plus, there's a new function centre set to occupy the heritage-listed former cargo shed, Berth 5. Carefully conceived to harmonise with the waterfront and promote round-the-clock communal activities, this largely forgotten part of Melbourne is now looking a whole lot more impressive.
Seafarers Rest will open on Thursday, June 19, at 68 Siddeley Street, Docklands. Head to the website for more information on the park and the surrounding precinct.