Melbourne Council Approves $45M Revamp of Fitzroy Gardens as Planning Row Heats Up

Melbourne's local government has signalled major infrastructure commitments this week, with councillors approving a $45 million overhaul of Fitzroy Gardens that will include new visitor facilities, enhanced walking paths, and ecological restoration across the 65-hectare Victorian-era park.

The decision, reached after months of community consultation, will see work begin in early 2027 on the beloved inner-east landmark. "This investment reflects our commitment to preserving Melbourne's green spaces while making them more accessible," a council statement said. The project includes upgrades to the ornamental lake system and improved accessibility for older visitors and people with disabilities—a response to feedback from the Friends of Fitzroy Gardens community group.

However, the week's proceedings were overshadowed by escalating tensions over a proposed 23-storey residential tower slated for Southbank's Arts Precinct. The development, which would bring approximately 280 apartments to the site bounded by Sturt Street and City Road, has drawn fierce objections from heritage advocates and neighbouring residents in nearby Docklands.

Planning submissions lodged this week reveal the project's architects argue the building complies with current zoning regulations, though it exceeds the precinct's traditional 18-storey guideline. Three councillors have flagged concerns about the impact on sightlines toward the Arts Centre spire, while others emphasise housing supply pressures across Melbourne's inner suburbs.

Meanwhile, the City of Melbourne's budget deliberations continue, with discussion of rate rises between 3.5 and 4.5 percent—higher than last year's 2.8 percent increase. Council officers cited increased costs in waste management and transport infrastructure as key drivers, alongside funding commitments to the renewed Prahran Aquatic Centre project.

In other developments, a safety audit of Flinders Street Station's lower concourse was completed this week following passenger complaints about congestion during peak hours. Transport authorities indicated findings will inform planned modifications to wayfinding and crowd-flow systems before major works resume next financial year.

The City of Melbourne's next council meeting is scheduled for July 15, where a formal decision on the Southbank development application is expected. Community groups have signalled they will lodge formal objections, with multiple submissions anticipated before the deadline on July 10.

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