The Victorian State Government requested RMIT share a vision for its City North facilities between Victoria, Lygon, Queensberry, and Swanston Streets. This masterplan project examines the potential for the site, which was once a mixed use, industrial and residential area, with a view to maximise the use of site with its proximity to the city and new public transport assets of the Melbourne Metro.

The masterplan process began with extensive consultation with the RMIT community and stakeholders, asking how they see RMIT in the future. Guided by the principles of People and Experience; Innovation Experience Pedagogy; Life-long Learning and Collaboration; Place and Public Realm; and Building and Infrastructure, initiatives include creating an open space network, a civic square ‘common ground’, an open space palette, and advocating for the greening of Cardigan Street.

The vision for City North is to transform the area into a world leading Social Innovation Precinct. The precinct will meet demand for skills in priority sectors and contribute to Melbourne’s innovation landscape through its unique combination of vocational and higher education, innovation, community engagement and industry collaboration.

The site is on the land of the Woi Wurrung language group of the Eastern Kulin Nation and formed part of an important cultural landscape in which the Woi Wurrung gathered resources, cared for country, and interacted with other Aboriginal groups. Its renewal offers an opportunity to build further connections with truth-telling, community engagement and cultural heritage in this part of the city.

The project delivered on RMIT’s principles through a process of collaboration with RMIT including ongoing workshops, a thorough review of RMIT policy literature, and consultation with the broader RMIT community.