New “green oasis” blooms on Roden St

West Melbourne residents now have a fresh reason to celebrate, with the official completion of the City of Melbourne’s Greening Roden Street project.

The long-awaited streetscape transformation between King and Spencer streets has delivered more than 1000 square metres of new greenery, 43 newly planted trees, and garden beds filled with plants designed to improve biodiversity.

The project, which has been months in the making, was officially unveiled on August 18 just in time for spring.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the new-look street would provide locals with a green space to enjoy in the heart of the city.
“We’re growing the Garden City and we are incredibly excited to deliver a new green oasis in West Melbourne,” he said.

“We’ve turned grey to green and drab to fab with more than 1000 square metres of new greening along Roden St – just in time for spring. This is sure to become a much-loved destination for locals to relax, enjoy time with family and friends, or simply to stop and smell the flowers.”

The upgrade also includes new accessible pathways, helping pedestrians move more easily through the precinct, while a new speed hump has been installed to slow down traffic and create a safer environment.

Cr Dr Olivia Ball and Lord Mayor Nick Reece on August 18. Photo: Hanna Komissarova.

Water Sensitive Urban Design infrastructure has been incorporated to reduce stormwater run-off and improve sustainability outcomes.

Cr Davydd Griffiths, chair of the environment portfolio, said the project demonstrated the city’s commitment to greening Melbourne.

“The Greening Roden Street project is a fantastic example of how we're creating vibrant green open spaces in the heart of the city,” Cr Griffiths said.

“With spring on our doorstep, it’s the perfect time for these new plantings to bloom and flourish in West Melbourne. I want to thank residents, businesses and visitors for their patience while we delivered this project.”

The transformation is part of the council’s broader strategy to expand green space across inner Melbourne and make neighbourhoods more climate resilient.

With temperatures rising and urban density increasing, the council says projects like Roden St are designed to keep streets cooler in summer, enhance liveability, and improve the city’s biodiversity.