Melbourne’s New Urban Garden Set to Transform the Arts Precinct

Melbourne’s iconic Arts Precinct is about to welcome a massive green addition, with the unveiling of an 18,000-square-metre urban garden, Laak Boorndap, set to reshape the city’s cultural landscape. The newly planned space, roughly the size of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), promises to be a vibrant public area, designed to attract visitors, boost local tourism, and strengthen the city’s creative industries.

This initiative is part of the $1.6 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation, a visionary project aimed at turning the heart of Melbourne into a cultural and artistic hub. The project includes an array of exciting new developments, including The Fox: NGV Contemporary, NGV International, Arts Centre Melbourne, and The Primrose Potter Australian Ballet Centre. In addition to these cultural landmarks, Laak Boorndap will bring nature, culture, art, and design together in an innovative and accessible way.

The Laak Boorndap garden will be created with sustainability in mind. According to the Victorian Government, the garden will feature dense, climate-resilient plantings, offering a green oasis amidst the city’s urban environment. The project is a collaboration between the international design practice Hassell and US-based architects SO-IL. This dynamic partnership ensures that the garden will be a world-class addition to Melbourne’s urban landscape, creating a serene and engaging space for residents and visitors alike.

The government has highlighted that the garden will connect key landmarks, linking cultural institutions with lush greenery and open space. It will also be surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and other amenities that further enhance the precinct’s appeal as a place for people to gather, explore, and unwind.

Beyond the aesthetic and cultural benefits, the development of Laak Boorndap is expected to have a significant economic impact. Victorian creative industries contribute approximately $40.3 billion to the state’s economy, employing nearly 320,000 people. With the construction of Laak Boorndap and the broader Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation, an additional 11,000 jobs are expected to be created, delivering a major boost to local employment opportunities.

Colin Brooks, Victorian Minister for Creative Industries and Development, has emphasised the profound impact of the project. “Laak Boorndap will reshape the precinct and bring together nature, culture, art, and design—a major investment in our creative industries, tourism, and local jobs,” Brooks said. He also praised the project for being on time and on budget, noting that work is well under way at 77 Southbank Boulevard, where The Fox Contemporary will soon begin rising.

With the garden’s construction set to commence in 2026, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is poised to become an even more vibrant and dynamic area. In 2022-23 alone, the precinct attracted 16 million visitors, and the addition of Laak Boorndap is expected to increase foot traffic even further. As the garden integrates with Melbourne’s cultural infrastructure, it will open doors for more retail outlets, dining options, and potential studio and gallery spaces, further enriching the visitor experience.

Laak Boorndap’s combination of urban greenery and cultural accessibility is likely to make it a landmark destination for locals and tourists alike. As Melbourne continues to evolve as a cultural and artistic centre, the development of this urban garden symbolises the city’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community-focused design.

This transformative project signals a bright future for Melbourne’s creative industries, tourism, and public spaces, making it an exciting time for the people of Victoria.