ASPECT Studios x TCL appointed to lead design of the Greenline Project

The City of Melbourne have named a collaborative design team led by ASPECT Studios and TCL to create the design for the Greenline Project. The Greenline Project will reposition the city’s relationship with the Yarra River – Birrarung, creating an emblematic new parkland and urban promenade along the north bank. Led through the ASPECT X TCL joint venture, uniting two of Australia’s leading Landscape Architecture and design studios, the project will make a profound point of difference for Melbourne, and create a generational and transformative gift to the city and its river.

The Greenline Project will feed into the ongoing recovery of the CBD by creating an internationally known riverfront experience. Daily life in Melbourne will be fundamentally different, with the 4km long north bank of the Yarra River – Birrarung being relinked by a series of ecologically and culturally rich spaces that connect people, the city, and the water.

: Site and scale of the Greenline Project, courtesy of City of Melbourne

The Greenline Project will constitute an important act of reconciliation, acknowledging through design the relationship between the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung People and the Yarra River – Birrarung. Indigenous elders, designers, researchers, and artists will be integral to the design process at a fundamental level, allowing for the expression of their stories and culture to be self-determined. The Greenline Project will reveal that rich history and etch it into the city’s most prominent new public space.

The design process will be based on the principles of woven collaboration. Our Greenline partnerships will be based on open dialogue and shared insights, producing often-surprising and inspiring outcomes.
Matthew Mackay, Studio Director of ASPECT Studios, said, “We’re moved and galvanised by the City of Melbourne’s decision to select a team led by two Melbourne-based landscape architecture practices. It reaffirms Melbourne’s reputation as a centre of global design excellence, and will facilitate a deep collaboration between the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Community and our design team”.

: Birrarung Marr Precinct, courtesy of City of Melbourne

“The Greenline Project will demonstrate an unparalleled investment in public infrastructure, and it’s hard to overstate the transformative effects the Greenline Project will have on this city.”

TCL Managing Director, Perry Lethlean noted, “The Greenline Project represents the potential for a joyful recognition of country to guide a bold and dynamic reconnection to our river. The project offers an opportunity to work with an incredible team and alongside ASPECT we are thrilled with the chance to form a collective vision that reflects the ideas and storylines of many generations of Melbourne design. We are thankful to the City of Melbourne for their selection of this uniquely Melbourne team to deliver this project that will represent people and place on a national and international stage.”

: Maritime Precinct – World Trade Centre Waterfront, courtesy of City of Melbourne

ASPECT Studios X TCL
Consortium lead.
Urban design, landscape architecture, Traditional Owner engagement, wayfinding, interpretation, and user experience
WSP – engineering, environmental planning, ecology, digital strategy
FSC Group – project management, maritime design and engineering
BKK Architects – architecture, urban design
JCB Architects – architecture, urban design, Traditional Owner engagement
GEHL – urban strategy and research
Urbis – planning
Capire – community engagement
Atelier Ten – ESD
Designflow – water strategy and ecology
Electrolight – lighting design
Lovell Chen – Heritage
Du Chateau Chun – Accessibility Consulting