The Yarra at Southbank at night. Picture: Jason Edwards Source: Supplied
INNER Melbourne's rivers and bridges will be specially illuminated under a $20 million council plan to make the city more attractive and safe at night.
Public and private lighting will be co-ordinated to create a single lighting theme for the city skyline while areas such as the Yarra River at Southbank will have special effects.
"The quality, intensity and appropriateness of illumination should identify this river as Melbourne's pre-eminent public space," says the city council's new public-lighting strategy.
GALLERY: Marvellous Melbourne by night
But it also calls for the Maribyrnong River to be included, with both rivers to act as drawcards for the city rather than boundaries.
"Exploit the dynamic combination of water and light and use reflections to amplify and enliven the effects of illumination," the plan says.
"Treat bridges as sculptural objects, illuminate buildings, infrastructure and landscape features that can then serve as beacons along dark sections of both rivers."
The 10-year strategy was unanimously endorsed by Melbourne City Council's Future Melbourne committee last week.
Council environment portfolio chairman Arron Wood said the public shouldn't expect dazzling light effects because this didn't suit Melbourne's more understated culture.
"Brighter is not necessarily better. The strategy outlines how we will use lighting smarter to accentuate the parts of the city we love without drowning them out," he said.
"Times Square works for New York and neon works on the Las Vegas Strip, but this strategy recognises Melbourne's unique character and we think a more subtle approach is best."
He said the plan would cost $20 million over five years, but would save $1.8 million a year in operating costs.
"The Yarra and Southbank are iconic Melbourne landmarks, and we think clever use of public lighting in these areas could make them even more attractive," he said.
john.masanauskas@news.com.au
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