In a move aimed at invigorating and enhancing the popular civic space, the City of Melbourne is keen to join with the state government and other stakeholders to make the proposed $22 million investment into Federation Square a reality.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said ideas had been galvanised during a recent review of the site by the state government and the City was keen to seize the opportunity to manage it, adding:
"We have a proven track record of delivering major events – Moomba, New Year celebrations, Melbourne Music Week, Melbourne Fashion Week - to name just a few. We have the talent and experience to bring Melburnians back to Fed Square."
She said the investment would also allow the civic and cultural values of the popular space to be preserved and in so doing, attract a huge number of visitors. Iconic locations such as Federation Square are often included in brochure printing aimed at tourists visiting the area.
If successful in its bid to manage the site, the City of Melbourne would consider providing $7m to revamp the Koorie Heritage Trust and a further $15m to relocate City Library to the site.
The Victorian government's Federation Square Review has received a comprehensive submission from the City of Melbourne, which it is currently considering.