Docklands is dead...or dying?

Docklands has not come to life yet, and there are doubts that it ever will. I worked there for 2 years so I know! In the New Quay section, apart from Mecca Bah (brilliant middle eastern), Bhoj (quite good Indian) and Bopha Devi (excellent Cambodian), the restaurants are overpriced, generic and very average. The nearest proper supermarket is in the Southern Cross (formerly Spencer St) train station and that could be aquite a walk from where you choose to live, as Docklands is a big area. I wouln't want to live there. It has no soul and is bleak and windy most of the time.

I have no vested intrest in docklands, like anything new in real estate their is boom and bust.
In 20 to 25 years when the place is established, people have lived there for a while,community relationships/organisations have formed,trees have grown I believe it will have a future.

Yes it may just take a lot longer than we initially expect to become a fun place. It could be ok to live in now that there is a supermarket and more infrastructure.

I do have faith in Docklands, but not in the short term. You really hit the nail on the head chrisdpw. In the next 20-25 years, Docklands will become something good. People are just impatient I guess, and expect everything to happen now.

AJ

Think once the corporations start moving over and the residential properties further develop (currently still under-supply) the facilities will start to follow, and then it will bloom. I'm thinking within the next 10 years. So much talk about it supposed to be like Darling Harbour in Sydney, but I don't think it'll be anything like it.

Was darling harbor in Sydney spoken of poorly when it was opened? I would not be surprised if it was. It's pretty rare that a man made "tourist attraction" is loved straight away. Look at Fed Square! I know it's still pretty hotly debated as to whether it's appealing to the eyes or not, but I think you would call it a success in terms of attracting people, and being a bit of a centerpiece.

Give it time, the giant broken wheel will become popular eventually...I'm sure of it.

AJ

There's more discussion about the dodgy big wheel on another topic: http://www.streetadvisor.com.au/victoria/forums/melbournes-big-ferris-wheel-about-to-open---do-you-care

More news on the development of Docklands here - http://www.theage.com.au/national/in-the-dock-20090316-8zx6.html?page=-1

Hi Brian - i was just about to post that same article! It's a very interesting read. I've always thought that the Docklands is a place that could really take off but just hasn't. The article does chat about the cons and pro's. Interesting read :)

Hindsight is a lovely thing - anyone wanting to sell some?

I think the discussion over on the other thread sums it up. Give it time, people will come...it might take a while, but it will happen.

Other thread:
http://www.streetadvisor.com.au/victoria/forums/melbournes-big-ferris-wheel-about-to-open---do-you-care

AJ

Maybe they will come by hot air balloon! See http://www.theage.com.au/national/drama-over-hotair-balloon-landing-20090318-919m.html

Another year before the Southern Star will open! This will set Docklands back yet again,

Have to feel sorry for the local traders that opened with the hope of tourist traffic.

http://www.theage.com.au/travel/travel-news/wheel-stays-shut-for-at-least-a-year-20090512-b1cu.html

Might as well pull the Southern Star down and save money on fixing it - who's going to trust it to work safely again?

I think your view on this topic is very pessimistic BrianWard. Of course people will trust it to work safely again. After your car breaks down once, do you never use it again? No, you repair it and move on.

It is such a shame about the big wheel, but it will be back up and running again soon, and I will enjoy it when it re-opens.

3 Years later and? Looks like some new initiatives are taking place with a few organisations I've never heard off before. Still needs a major driver as I was appalled when taking interstate guests for a walk around at New Quay a few months ago. Just lucky I live on the Yarra River, but I look out my bedroom window at Docklands now and then and shake my head as to where it is going. For any Owners Corporation layperson out there check out theOCguide. http://www.theOCguide.com.au

There's still some development going along, down there. The Wheel (le sigh) is nearly fixed up (again). So maybe we're close to a new turning point with that place? I really want to see that place take off - has great potential!

Listening to 774 ABC Radio this Spring when there was Melbourne Mayor elections, it was noticed (and rather strongly) by the winning Mayor about how that area of the Melbourne is doing poorly and it needs more work done to vamp it up - which is a good thing :)

Lets hope that can be realized!