Six ways the Council is making Melbourne the “best city”: Plus, apartments to watch

Melbourne has always been a city that dreams big, and then builds even bigger. From the iconic Hoddle Grid to the transformation of Southbank, bold ideas have long shaped the streets we live, work, and wander through. According to the City of Melbourne’s latest long-term planning update, that legacy of ambition isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

In October, the City released its new Melbourne 2050 Vision and accompanying Council Plan 2025-29, outlining a future that is greener, fairer, more creative, and more connected, all shaped by deep community consultation. More than 700 Melburnians contributed ideas during the M2050 Summit alone, offering insights into what they value today and what they hope their city will look like in 25 years.

At the heart of the Vision are six key pillars – six ways the city intends to grow into its “best and fairest” version of itself. For buyers, residents, and future apartment dwellers, these priorities paint a compelling picture of what inner-city living will be like in the years to come.

Here’s how the City of Melbourne is making it happen

1. The Compass: Governing for our future

Think of this as the city’s long-term navigation system. The Compass sets out transparent and accountable leadership, ensuring every decision aligns with the future Melburnians want. It focuses on planning for major challenges like climate change, population growth, and infrastructure, meaning the Melbourne you buy into today is being actively shaped for tomorrow.

2. The Pulse: Healthy, safe, clean and connected communities

The Pulse represents the energy of daily Melbourne life. This pillar focuses on safe neighbourhoods, inclusive public spaces, and support for residents who need it most. In practice? Cleaner streets, more community hubs, and public spaces designed to bring people together.

3. The Fabric: Building a city for people

The Fabric is all about making Melbourne feel liveable, accessible, and beautifully connected. It emphasises homes, green spaces, waterways, and streets that knit communities together. With population growth ahead, this plan ensures the city remains vibrant, affordable, and easy to navigate. Translation: more walkable streets and greener apartment neighbourhoods.

4. The Spark: Vibrant and creative Melbourne

Melbourne’s creative edge is one of its global calling cards. The Spark protects and elevates this identity, supporting artists, events, ideas, and cultural expression. Expect more festivals, more public art, and more spaces where creativity isn’t just welcomed, it thrives. It’s a major lifestyle boost for anyone living in the heart of the city.

5. The Engine: Leveraging our economic strengths

Backing innovation, tech, and entrepreneurship, The Engine powers long-term economic resilience. With a diverse population and strong talent pipeline, Melbourne continues to foster growth industries that create jobs and draw global attention. For buyers, this means investing in a property market supported by a strong, future-ready economy.

6. The Habitat: Living sustainably

This pillar puts sustainability at the centre of how Melbourne grows. From greener parks and protected waterways to waste reduction and climate resilience, The Habitat ensures the city remains liveable even in the face of environmental challenges. For inner-city residents, this means more nature woven into everyday life, from rooftop gardens to revitalised rivers.

What this means for Melbourne apartment buyers

These six pillars outline an exciting and structured new plan. But they also highlight why buying into Melbourne right now is a smart and lifestyle-savvy move.

A greener, safer, more creative, and more connected city directly impacts how enjoyable (and valuable) it is to live here. Whether you’re a first-home buyer, an investor, or someone looking to upgrade to a high-amenity urban lifestyle, these plans signal long-term confidence in Melbourne’s future.

And with the city actively shaping these plans, the apartment developments rising across Melbourne today are perfectly positioned to benefit from what’s coming next.

6 Melbourne apartment developments to watch right now

1. Four Three Seven by Cbus Property: Melbourne

Four Three Seven sits on the city’s iconic boulevard, St Kilda Road. Architecturally designed by Bates Smart, it takes full advantage of its remarkable position, with three faces opening to the calm of Slater Street, the prestige of St Kilda Road, and the lush serenity of Fawkner Park.

All this comes with easy access to Melbourne’s finest schools, effortless public transport connections, and a rich choice of cafés, dining, and culture.

Residences are priced from $2,250,000.

2. Richmond Square: Richmond

Swan Street in Richmond was officially named as one of the coolest streets in the world by Time Out. Moments from this vibrant area, Richmond Square presents a new lifestyle destination inspired by the character and charm of Melbourne’s laneways.

With a near perfect Walk Score of 99/100, this project truly elevates city living, perfect with a refined collection of two- and three-bedroom residences and penthouses.

Apartments are selling from $1,249,000.

3. Derby Street by Milieu: Collingwood

As architecture firm Studio Bright’s first multi-residential building in Melbourne’s inner north, Derby Street’s architecture and interiors embody a level of craft and care more often reserved for stand-alone homes.

The residences feature warm and enduring materials, generous layouts, and carefully composed interiors. Overall, the project reflects a shared commitment to design that honours heritage, engages with its surroundings, and provides long-term comfort.

All this on a prime Collingwood location between Gertrude Street and East Melbourne.

Apartments are priced from $1,250,000.

4. The Canopy: South Melbourne

Located in the heart of South Melbourne, The Canopy offers unparalleled access to Melbourne’s CBD, public transport, and vibrant local amenities, just a 15-minute walk away from the South Melbourne Market.

This project is designed to be an urban oasis, anchored by a 2,600 sqm new public park and featuring rooftop gardens, an Onsen-style Japanese bath, and landscaped green spaces designed for relaxation and community engagement, complementing a sustainable building design.

Apartments are selling from $790,000.

5. Collins Wharf: Docklands

At the water’s edge of Melbourne’s most desirable street, you’ll find Collins Wharf. Here, you will be just moments from the city’s vibrant entertainment, food culture, couture, and commerce, knowing you’re coming home to a calming, waterside lifestyle with two waterfronts of Victoria Harbour and the Yarra River.

The precinct comprises a range of stunning luxury apartments and expansive home-sized residences, including townhomes with a Collins Street address. All above 5,000 sqm of green and open space that connects with Melbourne’s Green Line.

Residences are selling from $742,000.

6. Drummond House: Carlton

Deemed Carlton’s most advanced residential address, Drummond House offers expansive apartments with big views, big bedrooms, and a big lifestyle with a suite of resort-style amenities and innovative technological features, such as home automation, 7.5-Star energy ratings, and UV air purification.

With a location on 481-513 Rathdowne Street in Carlton, residents are moments from some of the city’s best, with Lygon Street cafés, Queen Victoria Market, University of Melbourne, and Princes Park nearby, and trams and trains just minutes away.

Apartments selling from $1,849,000.

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Header image of Drummond House.