Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) is drawing international attention – recognised as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform how Victorians travel in the latest issue of Singapore’s Centre for Liveable Cities publication Urban Solutions.
Exploring the challenges that Melbourne faces as it grows to an estimated 9 million people by 2056, the case study on SRL highlights the significant and long-lasting benefits of the project.
Victoria is expected to grow to 11.2 million people by 2056. As Melbourne’s urban footprint expands, people are forced to live further away from job opportunities, resulting in longer commutes and increased road and rail congestion.
The article demonstrates the positive impact SRL will have on Melbourne’s transport system by connecting Victorians to key health, education, employment and shopping precincts. It also looks at the enormous social, economic and environmental benefits of SRL Precincts.
SRL will reshape Melbourne into a city of centres – slashing travel times and giving more people access to great opportunities, jobs and transport close to home.
As outlined in the SRL Business and Investment Case, an additional 165,000 jobs and 47,500 additional households will be attracted to the broader areas around SRL East and North by 2056 – helping to curb urban sprawl.
The Centre for Liveable Cities looks at how SRL will deliver on Plan Melbourne’s vision of ‘living locally’, where locals can access most of their daily needs within a 20-minute walk, ride or public transport journey. It also highlights initiatives in the neighbourhoods around the stations, including creating new and enhanced open and public spaces.
As shown in the article, SRL incorporates strategic city-shaping infrastructure that has the power to change and support a city’s growth – ensuring Melbourne remains one of the most liveable cities in the world.