Melbourne's Metro Tunnel Project is nearing completion, with testing set to begin later this year. This $12 billion project will transform the city's rail network, creating a new underground line with five stations. It’s set to open in 2025.
Thirteen dangerous level crossings on the Upfield line will be eradicated by 2027 to improve safety and reduce congestion for 71,000 vehicles
currently battling boom gates during the morning peak. The project includes a new cycling and walking trail from Bell Street to Park Street, and a whopping four-MCGs worth of open space between Parkville and Coburg.
Construction on St Vincent's Private Hospital's new 12-storey tower is progressing rapidly. The impressive $180 million expansion will increase
patient capacity by 20,000 annually and will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including new operating theatres, an expanded ICU, a dedicated chemotherapy centre, modern birthing suites and a special care nursery. The first phase will open this year, ushering in a new era of healthcare for the area.
Schools across the region are experiencing a wave of upgrades, ensuring access to exceptional facilities for a well-rounded education. Planning is underway for further upgrades to Fitzroy Primary School. Meanwhile, Westgarth Primary School is set to unveil a $13 million refurbishment, including new classrooms and a competition-grade gym, and Northcote’s Croxton Special School has a new specialist learning building, performing arts and drama area and food technology centre. Early childhood centres across the region are being comprehensively upgraded to accommodate expanded services, including a $1.5 million renovation at Atherton Gardens Kindergarten.
The Inner North’s sporting scene is in for a winning season. The $63.5 million Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre opened in November. A proposal is under consideration to develop two new buildings at the Brunswick Street Oval precinct: a sports pavilion for cricket and football and a community room to the north of the historic grandstand. Looking ahead, there are plans for major improvements at Bill Lawry Oval in Northcote and Donath East Pavilion in Reservoir.
Meanwhile, green spaces are also getting a boost, with the 13-hectare green corridor stretching from Princes Hill to Rushall Station poised for an exciting upgrade. The council has drafted a master plan to breathe new life into the beloved Linear Parklands, ensuring they continue to serve the community for years to come.
From world-class sporting facilities and revamped green spaces to improved transport links, the Inner North is undergoing a renaissance that is elevating the liveability and desirability of this thriving, connected community.
