Rediscovering the Montague Precinct, South Melbourne
Rediscovering the Montague Precinct, South Melbourne
Weave between the past, present and future of this character-filled pocket of inner-Melbourne as it embarks on a new chapter.
Summary
Weave between the past, present and future of this character-filled pocket of inner-Melbourne as it embarks on a new chapter.
Description
People have always been drawn to this ‘in-between’ place, officially part of South Melbourne but known as Montague. As work to deliver its precinct plan gathers momentum, explore the area and consider how its past and its proximity to Melbourne’s CBD can help frame its future.
This low-lying landscape nestled between the river and bay has been occupied by Aboriginal people for untold generations. By the late 1800s the area's geography made South Melbourne attractive for industry and Montague grew into a thriving working-class neighbourhood, supplying workers for surrounding factories and wharves.
Now the enclave’s proximity to the bustling South Melbourne Market, public transport and the CBD are a drawcard for young professionals, with Montague a pillar of Australia’s largest urban renewal project, Fishermans Bend.
As soaring new apartment buildings rise in the wake of Montague’s former lives, this walk explores that interplay. What can and should be salvaged? Are there opportunities to improve? What tools and energy will a new generation of residents and workers bring?
Victoria’s first vertical state school is a great place to start; South Melbourne Primary – part of the broader Ferrars Street Education and Community Facility, opened on Montague’s eastern border in 2018. Arrive by the No. 96 tram for a fantastic overview as you alight at stop #126.
Note the efforts by planners to provide a safe, walkable approach to the school and Kirrip Park; this fledgling community gathering space has been planted with indigenous species suited to the dry spells and flooding the area is prone to.
Make your way along Buckhurst Street; up until the 1950s and 60s one of Montague’s main residential strips lined with cottages. The Argus’ 1954 'Christmas Street' competition was a battle between Buckhurst families and those from nearby Thistlewaite Street. Many of Montague’s original, damp-affected houses were demolished in slum-clearing campaigns but you can hear echoes of former residents as you thread your way through bluestone laneways, where retail and hospitality businesses breathe new life into warehouse shells.
Less pleasant is the walking environment of Montague Street with its infamous heavy vehicle trap; the Montague Street Bridge. View the bridge from up high or turn left to follow the tram line along Gladstone Lane through Woodgate Street Reserve before heading back along former industrial hubs Normanby and Munro streets.
The underbelly of the Westgate Freeway is a common, if not especially appealing, thoroughfare for families and workers passing between schools, shops and Docklands’ Yarra-edge apartments.
End this walk where you began or continue to the nearby South Melbourne Market for a well-deserved foodie pit stop.
Read more about the renewal of Fishermans Bend here .
1582 Views
Points of Interest
1. School in the city
The modern South Melbourne Primary School has an open plan design and a multicultural student body. The wider facility includes a kindergarten, and a maternal and child health centre onsite.
2. Streets for people
The streets surrounding the school and adjacent park have been designed to prioritise the safety and convenience of those travelling on foot rather than by motor vehicle.
3. Kirrip Park
This community gathering space was opened in 2018. Meaning 'friend’ in the Boon Wurrung language, the name Kirrip was chosen by City of Port Phillip in consultation with local traditional owners.
4. Blank canvas: Buckhurst Street
Can you imagine a time when Buckhurst Street was fit to burst with cottages housing young families? For now, it feels very much like a blank canvas.
5. New life in industrial laneways
Businesses and foot traffic are drawn to the bluestone laneways connecting Buckhurst and Thistlewaite streets, but might this industrial heritage be preserved as the area develops?
6. Historical texture
A challenge for planners and residents will be balancing the old and the new.
7. Montague Street
What to do about Montague Street? As you walk along this busy traffic spine how might the journey be improved for walkers and cyclists while still allowing for through traffic?
8. Gravity Tower
Take a peek into the lobby of this apartment tower and see how the architects have accounted for the possibility of flooding, due to Montague’s location within the Yarra Delta.
9. Gladstone Lane
Turn left into this laneway, just before the notorious truck-trapping Montague Street bridge! Floodwaters here have proved too tempting for local children in days gone by.
10. Chance to improve connection
Follow the route of the former train line (now light rail, tram route #109). Glandstone Lane is charming and cool on a hot day, but would activation provide a better sense of safety?
11. Green space
While we're officially leaving the Montague precinct here, why not make the most of the rail reserve on its edge (Woodgate Street Reserve and Page Reserve).
12. 1900s employment hub
Normanby Road was the home of many large industries at the turn of the 19th century, including Laycocks Woolen mills and the Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre company (pictured).
13. West Gate Freeway undercroft
This massive concrete structure frames Montague's northern edge. It's not the physical barrier you might expect - many pass through by foot, bike and tram. However, there's certainly room to improve.
14. Mural a bright spot
Street artist Peter Daverington completed this mural in early 2020, which is part of council efforts to combat tagging in the area. See a video of Peter at work in the link below.
15. Heading to market
As you leave Montague take a detour along Albert Place to see examples of some of the newer businesses finding their home in this changing area.
16. Sustenance
You've earned a break. There's plenty of choice at South Melbourne Market (open Fri-Sun and Wed) or along Coventry Street. The #96 tram (stop no. 127) marks the end of this visit. Pic: Visit Victoria
17. Public toilets
There are some public toilets located here - generally open even on non-market days. For more toilets in South Melbourne area use the online resource in link.
Features
Public Transport
Drinking water available
Seating available
Historical interest
Art and culture
Park / Garden
