David Allen | September 16, 2024
Melbourne's rooftops could be looking towards a greener future thanks to research underway atop a new information hub near Federation Square.
Located along Princes Walk to Birlarn Mar, the new center houses information about the City of Melbourne's Green Line project.
In line with Green Line's core nature-based urban landscape principles, the center will be covered with a green roof covered primarily with native plants.
“Our approach was to create a sustainable and beautiful green roof that not only meets the technical requirements, but also supports biodiversity and provides a unique environment for native plant species.” said Michael Casey, roof designer and Evergreen Infrastructure Director.
Green roofs are predicted to improve ambient air quality, and primarily by incorporating native plants, they support local wildlife and the overall health of urban ecosystems.
It will also be part of a three-year data collection project on the performance of native plants in green roof environments that will be shared across the urban design and green infrastructure sectors.
Melbourne Mayor Nick Rees said: “This information hub will be a great central resource for local residents to learn more about the Green Line project and the benefits it will bring to our city.”
The $316 million Green Line project will begin in 2023 and will involve a major redesign and greening along the northern Yarra Riverfront precinct from Villaran Mar to Saltwater Wharf in the Docklands.
The plan includes four kilometers of interconnected walking trails, parks, open spaces and a cultural precinct, ultimately creating Melbourne's largest green space.
The Green Line Information Hub is open Wednesday to Friday from 12pm to 2pm.
