Greenline

The City of Melbourne’s Greenline is a city shaping vision to transform the northern bank of the Birrarung / Yarra River with a continuous sequence of promenades, boardwalks and parks. Stretching more than four kilometres from Birrarung Marr to Victoria Harbour, it requires close integration across dozens of landowners and stakeholders and will be delivered in five stages over several years. Designed for locals and visitors, the Greenline aims to strengthen connection to Country, improve community amenities and enhance biodiversity along the river’s edge.

Atelier Ten was part of the core design team with Aspect Studios and Taylor Cullity Lethlean, leading the sustainability vision and strategy. Starting with a project-wide masterplan, the sustainability framework translates ambition into clear requirements for each part of the project, organised intofive themes: community, ecosystems, healthy waterways, circular economy and zero emissions. The approach needed to take into account the unique opportunities, challenges, and constraints of each part of the project – from parkland to more built up zones.

Material choices prioritise low-carbon, flood and heat-resistant surfaces; layouts are designed to withstand inundation. Shade, evapotranspiration and surface selection improve microclimate, and event operations safeguard sensitive ecologies. Performance measurement covers stormwater quality and reuse, potable water use, habitat connectivity, shade and thermal comfort, inclusive access and night-time safety. Procurement, monitoring and governance settings keep outcomes on track beyond design.

Flood-tolerant edges and flood-irrigated garden beds reduce potable water demand while improving water quality and habitat. Re-naturalised banks support habitat movement along the corridor. Modular elements sized for offsite prefabrication reduce waste and limit time working over water. Salvage and reuse are first principles, with details that allow repair and disassembly rather than wholesale replacement. Universal access, shading, lighting and wayfinding support safe evening use while protecting habitats. Boardwalk widths and gathering spaces are calibrated for daily activity and peak event loads.

A clear, documented pathway assigns responsibility, targets, data, and verification from early design through long-term operation. Options are tested against evidence-based targets. As the Greenline advances, the framework will provide targets, guide choices, verify performance, and enable transparent reporting on outcomes.