Project background

The Emerald Hill Master Plan is being reviewed to help shape the future of the South Melbourne Town Hall precinct. The original Master Plan was adopted in 2012 and established a vision for a vibrant arts and community hub centred around South Melbourne Town Hall as the cultural and civic heart of the area.

While this vision remains relevant, several important changes have occurred since the plan was adopted, including the refurbishment of South Melbourne Town Hall, the planned relocation of the South Melbourne Police Station, and changing community needs and expectations. These changes provide an opportunity to refresh the Master Plan and ensure it continues to meet the needs of the community.

Building on the recently adopted South Melbourne Structure Plan and Public Realm Framework, the project aims to transform the underutilised Town Hall reserve and surrounding public spaces into greener, more welcoming and inclusive places for residents, workers and visitors. The focus is on creating safe, accessible and family-friendly public spaces that support cultural events, community activities and everyday use, while improving connections throughout the Emerald Hill precinct.

The first phase of engagement sought community feedback on a refreshed vision for the precinct, two early design options for the South Melbourne Town Hall forecourt, and priorities for future improvements. Feedback collected through this engagement project will help inform the development of a draft updated master plan to be shared with the community in a future stage of engagement.

What did we ask?

Between 1 June and 5 July 2026, we asked for feedback on the future of the Emerald Hill precinct and South Melbourne Town Hall forecourt. Specifically, we asked:

• How much you supported the vision for a bigger, better public space that celebrates arts, culture and community in South Melbourne.
• Which of the two proposed design options for the Town Hall forecourt you preferred.
• Why you preferred your chosen design option.
• What improvements, features or activities they would like to see included in the precinct.
• How we can create a public space that is welcoming, accessible, safe and enjoyable for the whole community.

What did we hear?

Community feedback showed strong support for the vision of creating a bigger, greener and more welcoming public space that celebrates arts, culture and community in South Melbourne. Most participants also preferred Option A, which creates a larger pedestrian-focused forecourt and public open space.

Key themes included:

• Creating more green space, trees, shade and landscaping.
• Supporting arts, culture, community events and everyday use of the precinct.
• Improving pedestrian safety, walkability and connections through the area.
• Recognising and celebrating First Nations history and culture.
• Maintaining accessibility, parking and vehicle access for residents and visitors.
• Improving safety, lighting and security.
• Protecting the heritage character and identity of Emerald Hill.
• Continuing to involve the community in future planning and design decisions.

Written submissions echoed these themes, with many supporting the opportunity to create a stronger civic and community destination around South Melbourne Town Hall while balancing open space improvements with accessibility, heritage protection and local amenity considerations.

What happens next?

The Engagement Summary Report will be shared with Councillors, and feedback received during this first phase of engagement will be used to inform the development of a draft updated master plan for the South Melbourne Town Hall forecourt and broader Emerald Hill precinct.

Once the draft has been prepared, Council will undertake a second phase of community engagement in early 2027. This will provide residents, businesses, stakeholders and visitors with another opportunity to review the proposed design and provide feedback before any future decisions are made.