
We’re increasing public safety and security around Melbourne’s CBD
We’re increasing public safety and security around Melbourne’s CBD
Melbourne security upgrades
Melbourne CBD
The Victorian Government is implementing a $52.5 million security upgrade project in Melbourne’s CBD including the installation of physical barriers at Melbourne’s busiest locations, upgrades to CCTV cameras and a new public address system.
The upgrades will provide protection for pedestrians from vehicle-based attacks, as well as improve how police monitor and respond to incidents.
Public-address system
Speakers have been installed in 94 locations to create a public-address system for use in emergencies. Victoria Police can use the system to provide warnings and safety information.
The system works alongside other emergency management messaging, such as text messages, as well as police and emergency services on the scene of any incident.
Security cameras
Melbourne’s CCTV network has been expanded, with 30 new cameras added and the existing cameras and network upgraded. To read more about CCTV cameras in the CBD, see the City of Melbourne Safe City network page.
Long-term protections
The concrete blocks and barriers at nine of Melbourne’s busiest and high-profile pedestrian sites are being replaced with steel bollards, barriers, street furniture and other long-term measures.
The aim is to create protective zones for pedestrians, and balance the needs of everyone using the sites, along with safety, engineering, design and heritage aspects.
More information on what’s planned for each of the sites is below.
FAQ
The Flinders Street Station forecourt upgrade has been completed, improving safety at one of the city's busiest and most high-profile public spaces.
The upgrade involved:
- removing the temporary concrete blocks and a fence
- expanding the forecourt area under the clocks by 130 square metres
- widening the crossing to Young & Jackson
- installing steel bollards, bike hoops and a new fence section
- resurfacing the road and remarking the car and bike lanes.
Progress
☑ Site survey
☑ Protective concept design
☑ Detailed design, engineering and procurement
☑ Construction
☑ Completion
Princes Bridge connects the Melbourne Arts Precinct to Flinders Street Station, Federation Square and the CBD, and is used by thousands of pedestrians each day.
Security upgrades on the bridge have now been completed. The upgrade involved:
- replacing the concrete blocks at each end of the footpaths with steel bollards
- adding reinforced barriers between the footpath and the road, replacing the water-filled barriers
The barriers were designed in consultation with Heritage Victoria, security experts and heritage architects. They have a bluestone finish and a lower profile than the temporary barriers.
Progress
☑ Site survey
☑ Protective concept design
☑ Detailed design, engineering and procurement
☑ Construction
☑ Completion
Security upgrades in Bourke Street Mall have now been completed, providing significant additional protection along the iconic shopping precinct.
The upgrade involved:
- removing all temporary concrete blocks
- installing planter boxes and 131 steel bollards
- creating a protective pedestrian zone on each side of the mall comprised of bollards, trees, street furniture and flagpoles
The protective design for the area was created with security experts, Victoria Police and City of Melbourne, in consultation with local businesses.
Progress
☑ Site survey
☑ Protective concept design
☑ Detailed design, engineering and procurement
☑ Construction
☑ Completion
The State Library is a Melbourne landmark and cultural icon, as well as a popular gathering place.
Security upgrades have now been completed, providing protection around the Melbourne landmark.
The upgrades involved:
- installing 27 steel bollards and 16 bespoke bluestone blocks
- expanding the bike lane on La Trobe Street and separating it from traffic
- expanding the footpath at the corner of La Trobe Street
- removing the protective concrete blocks from the Swanston Street footpath
The measures were designed to meet the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and transport passengers in this busy area.
Progress
☑ Site survey
☑ Protective concept design
☑ Detailed design, engineering and procurement
☑ Construction
☑ Completion
Olympic Boulevard connects some of Melbourne’s most significant sporting stadiums, hosting tens of thousands of visitors during major events.
Security upgrades at Olympic Boulevard have now been completed and include:
- 196 steel bollards around AAMI Park and Melbourne Arena
- 69 v-shaped concrete barriers, designed to match the arena aesthetic
- Landscaping and additional trees
Progress
☑ Site survey
☑ Protective concept design
☑ Detailed design, engineering and procurement
☑ Construction
☑ Completion
The Queen Victoria Market is an iconic, large and diverse market – it has a variety of businesses, existing structures, pedestrian and engineering needs.
The protections at this site will:
- provide safety for visitors
- maintain ease of access
- align with the market's character and heritage
Security measures have now been installed and include:
- 29 steel bollards
- planter boxes and bluestone blocks
Security upgrades were completed in consultation with the Queen Victoria Market Board and other stakeholders including the City of Melbourne Queen Victoria Market renewal team.
Progress
☑ Site survey
☑ Protective concept design
☑ Detailed design, engineering and procurement
☑ Construction
☑ Completion
Southbank Promenade is a major dining and entertainment destination, which is popular day and night.
The protections being installed at this site will:
- turn the whole promenade into a protected zone
- mostly consist of bollards, to provide protection while enabling people to move freely
- consider the needs of local businesses, tram passengers and others
Construction has commenced and is being done in stages to minimise impact on local businesses and residents. The first stage of security measures was completed along Queensbridge Square, Prices Bridge and Hamer Hall. The second stage of works included the installation of security measures in accessible side streets and along the Promenade. Works are currently being planned to improve security on the northern side of the Yarra River and at the Crown Casino precinct.
Progress
☑ Site survey
☑ Protective concept design
☑ Detailed design, engineering and procurement
☑ Construction
☐ Completion
Southern Cross Station is the second busiest train station in Melbourne, with almost 280,000 people using the station each day.
Security upgrades have been completed at the corner of Bourke and Spencer streets. Additional upgrades on Spencer and Collins streets are now underway.
Progress
☑ Site survey
☑ Protective concept design
☑ Detailed design, engineering and procurement
☑ Construction
☐ Completion
Federation Square is one of Melbourne's most visited places, hosting major events and cultural attractions.
It’s a large site with different elements to consider, so it’s being looked at in zones by security experts, Victoria Police and designers, in discussion with the Federation Square Board.
Construction of security enhancements at Birrarung Marr (near ArtPlay) and outside Federation Square on Swanston Street are now underway.
The protections at Federation Square will:
- improve pedestrian safety
- consider flows of people and vehicles
- be designed for the space, with different measures such as furniture and potentially even rock arrangements in certain areas
Progress
☑ Site survey
☑ Protective concept design
☑ Detailed design, engineering and procurement
☑ Construction
☐ Completion
Timeline
-
September 2020
Additional works commence at Southern Cross Station and Federation Square
-
August 2019
Steel bollards installed at Bourke Street Mall
-
June 2019
Security upgrades complete at Princes Bridge and Flinders Street Station
Budget
-
$52.5 million
Current investment
What’s next?
View information about current works and disruptions on the City of Melbourne’s website.
Map of the protected sites
Protective zones for pedestrians are being installed at nine of Melbourne’s busiest and high-profile pedestrian sites including Flinders Street Station, Southbank Promenade, Olympic Boulevard, Federation Square and Queen Victoria Market.