The Melbourne CBD grid should be overhauled. Here's why

The Melbourne CBD grid should be overhauled. Here's why

Urban planning experts have long advocated for Melbourne to overhaul the Hoddle Grid by implementing 'superblocks’. The concept, pioneered in Barcelona by one of the world's foremost urban planning experts, Salvador Rueda Palenzuela, would create a more liveable, sustainable and people-friendly city.

Salvador Rueda Palenzuela, RMIT visiting professor and Director and President of the Urban Ecology and Territorial Foundation

“Cities like Melbourne are dominated by traffic and face multiple challenges such as connectedness and access to cool shaded areas and biodiversity.

“Superblocks provide a rational and cheap method to increase liveability and sustainability.

“Superblocks can radically increase the amount of public space in a city with only a small reduction in overall car traffic.

“Greater community activity and foot traffic also contributes to a more diverse business community, making the city more resilient, and increasing economic productivity.

“Communities around the world have embraced superblocks, because they mitigate the dysfunctions of urban life and global ecological impacts. It's time Melbourne embraced superblocks too."

Salvador Rueda Palenzuela is one of the world's foremost experts on urban planning. He is renowned for his contribution to built environments and is most famous for developing and planning ‘superblocks’ in Barcelona. He will be a guest of RMIT University in May, participating in a range of events about urban planning, sustainability and community impact.

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General media enquiries: RMIT Communications, 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au  

14 May 2025

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