First Look: Uni of Melbourne Masterplan Unveiled

The University of Melbourne has revealed the masterplan for its Parkville campus. 

Hassell was the principal design consultant for the Estate Master Plan, a blueprint for the University of Melbourne’s precincts and campuses.

Under the masterplan, more than 22,000sq m of new open green space will be created for students and the community to share at the Parkville campus.

Grattan Street will become an expanded green corridor connecting the historic northern precinct and a contemporary southern precinct. 

Accessibility will be improved with more pedestrian-friendly thoroughfares to create a safer space for students, staff and community of the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct to move through. 

“The university will also enhance its contribution to the city with easier ways to navigate through the University precinct and exciting new green space,” Hassell principal Mark Roehrs said.

The University of Melbourne’s Estate Master Plan aims to improve the campus experience by creating diverse communal settings and to enhance efficiency by focusing on affordability.”

Other aims include regenerating ageing properties, creating world-class contemporary academic and research spaces and creating partnerships with industry and government. 

“At a time when many universities and their communities are reconsidering the role of the campus in a post-Covid world, the University of Melbourne Estate Master Plan represents a future-focused framework for improving student and staff well-being, creating exemplary teaching, learning and research environments, and delivering sustainable outcomes,” Hassell associate Matt Watson said.

Hassell is also designing two new underground rail stations within the precinct: the Parkville and Arden stations. 

Both are part of the Metro Tunnel Project as part of a collaboration, the Cross Yarra Partnership joint venture with Hassell, Weston Williamson + Partners and RSHP.  

The Metro Tunnel Project is scheduled for completion in 2025.