Fitzroy Gasworks is being reimagined as a thriving and sustainable urban village

As part of a significant urban renewal project, Fitzroy Gasworks will be rejuvenated into a vibrant new neighbourhood guided by principles of sustainability and an urban village lifestyle. 

The site is located ideally at the heart of Melbourne and will include newly built apartments, a vertical high school, a sports centre and public open spaces. The project also plans for the adaptive reuse of the Valve House and the relocation and restoration of the Porter Iron Store. 

According to the plans, the project will deliver an integrated, sustainable and thriving urban village showcasing the revitalisation of a strategic inner-city site for Melbourne’s growing population. 

The 3.9-hectare, former gasworks site is bounded by Queens Parade, Smith Street, Alexandra Parade and George Street and serves as an opportunity to provide missing connections, open spaces and a welcoming environment. In addition, Fitzroy, Clifton Hill and Collingwood surround the location offering additional convenience and connectivity. 

The Fitzroy Gasworks redevelopment also has a clear focus on sustainability by maximising the potential for energy generation on-site (with solar panels to most rooftops), maximising the thermal performance of buildings (for lower costs over time) and minimising waste produced on-site. 

The plan calls for 14% of the area to be reserved for the public realm (excluding public streets) and 8% for active open spaces, including a community garden with 220sqm of agricultural space for the residential community to access. There will also be a further 8% allocated to private open spaces. In addition, 700 car parking spaces will be hidden underground with bicycle parking located above ground. 

As a result, the plan has achieved a 6-star Green Star communities rating through the Green Building Council of Australia. 

The development also focuses on integrating with the existing neighbourhood to provide a shared experience between the current neighbours and future residents. This approach is designed to complement the community and strengthen the ‘20-minute neighbourhood’ concept, which is defined by proximity to schools, sports courts, open spaces and retail, as well as pedestrian and cycle connections.

Header image source. 

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