Release unused Government land in Richmond

2 River Street, Richmond is owned by the Victorian Government. It has sat idle since 2020. Release this land to the growing community of Richmond. 

After years of advocacy from Council, the Victorian Government has declared ‘surplus’ its unused land at 2 River Street, Richmond. But its nominal price tag of $23 million is beyond reach.  

Securing land in the City of Yarra is incredibly difficult. Releasing this government land for community use is a once in a generation opportunity to create up to 50 more kindergarten places and 4,000 sq metres of open space with a playground, dedicated dog park and recreation areas. 

The City of Yarra is already doing a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to residential development and increasing density in the inner city.  

2 River Street is surrounded by new multi storey apartments. And thousands more are going up – all approved by the State Government. We estimate that the population around 2 River Street will increase by 5,000 people in the next few years. This community is in desperate need of more open space and greenery.  

Many of the new developments are build-to-rent and don’t trigger an open space contribution to Council because of current planning laws. This is costing Council millions of dollars we could be spending on open space. 

Council is calling on the Victorian Government to reserve this land for community use – specifically open space and the expansion of Yarraberg Children's Centre.  

Higher density living in multi-unit developments must be supported by opportunities for the community to gather and form connections.  

Richmond already has unmet need for kindergarten places. With thousands more families coming and the Victorian Government’s Best Start, Best Life strategy being implemented, it’s time to think about how we expand services.