The CBD's future is car-free and open all hours, say these big thinkers
An underground network for moving goods and waste on conveyor belts, transforming empty shops into free spaces for artists and a car-free Hoddle Grid are among the 50 big ideas to emerge from a major summit discussing what Melbourne might look like in 2050.
Business and community leaders – including Governor Margaret Gardner, Lucas Group Restaurants owner Chris Lucas, comedy festival director Susan Provan, and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre chief Natalie O'Brien – were among about 700 people who converged on Melbourne Town Hall on Friday for the M2050 forum.
Lord Mayor Nick Reece said he wanted to focus on Melbourne in 25 years' time, as great cities were not built overnight, they were built over generations.
'In Melbourne, we find ourselves at a historic juncture,' he said. 'A few years back, we had a once-in-a-century crisis, but we are a city that does come back well. In fact, I think we do that better than any city in the world.'
The event, run by City of Melbourne, began with speeches from Premier Jacinta Allan and Opposition Leader Brad Battin, who went back-to-back with pointed early election pitches.
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Participants young and old shared their ideas in break-out groups focusing on topics including infrastructure, culture, climate, the economy and liveability.
After a full day of robust discussions – as well as some disagreement and confusion – a list of 50 big ideas for 2050 was compiled for the City of Melbourne to take on or advocate for.
Participants were eager to see a ban on private cars in the CBD, excluding emergency, delivery and disability transport vehicles.
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ABC News
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Sydney Morning Herald
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The CBD's future is car-free and open all hours, say these big thinkers
An underground network for moving goods and waste on conveyor belts, transforming empty shops into free spaces for artists and a car-free Hoddle Grid are among the 50 big ideas to emerge from a major summit discussing what Melbourne might look like in 2050. Business and community leaders – including Governor Margaret Gardner, Lucas Group Restaurants owner Chris Lucas, comedy festival director Susan Provan, and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre chief Natalie O'Brien – were among about 700 people who converged on Melbourne Town Hall on Friday for the M2050 forum. Lord Mayor Nick Reece said he wanted to focus on Melbourne in 25 years' time, as great cities were not built overnight, they were built over generations. 'In Melbourne, we find ourselves at a historic juncture,' he said. 'A few years back, we had a once-in-a-century crisis, but we are a city that does come back well. In fact, I think we do that better than any city in the world.' The event, run by City of Melbourne, began with speeches from Premier Jacinta Allan and Opposition Leader Brad Battin, who went back-to-back with pointed early election pitches. Loading Participants young and old shared their ideas in break-out groups focusing on topics including infrastructure, culture, climate, the economy and liveability. After a full day of robust discussions – as well as some disagreement and confusion – a list of 50 big ideas for 2050 was compiled for the City of Melbourne to take on or advocate for. Participants were eager to see a ban on private cars in the CBD, excluding emergency, delivery and disability transport vehicles.
