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.

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. 

The State’s target of 44,000 more dwellings over the next two decades is challenging but we’re confident that we can work with the Victorian Government and the community to create more housing for the people who need it. 

Thousands more dwellings have come online in the Richmond precinct in the past few years and thousands more are coming. 

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

Dog Parks, playgrounds and recreation areas have become the holy grail for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities to congregate and build community. Already Richmond is lacking.

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. 

Securing land in the City of Yarra is incredibly difficult. The Victorian Government-owned 5,000 sq metre parcel of land at 2 River Street, Richmond, has been lying dormant for over 5 years. 

It’s in the perfect location to create more open space. It’s also adjacent to a kindergarten that could be expanded. 

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 Victorian Government must transfer the ownership or management of 2 Richmond Street to Council to support the open space and kindergarten needs of a growing Richmond.