I live in what’s been called Melbourne’s worst development. It’s a lesson in what not to do

The Alarming Reality of Neglect in Urban Planning: A Tale of the Joseph Road Precinct

The Joseph Road Precinct in Melbourne stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of poor urban planning and a lack of foresight in development. The area, envisioned as a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood, has instead become a symbol of neglect and dysfunction. Residential buildings were erected with little regard for essential infrastructure, leaving residents to navigate dusty streets, missing footpaths, and the absence of basic amenities like street signage, pedestrian crossings, and streetlights. This glaring oversight has left many wondering how such a critical aspect of urban development could have been overlooked. As Darrell Pitt, an admin for the Joseph Road Precinct Action Group, aptly puts it, “How can a council forget to install a footpath?” The result is an environment that is not only inconvenient but also downright dangerous.

Grassroots Efforts to Address Safety and Livability

Despite the systemic failures in planning, the community has come together to push for change. The Joseph Road Precinct Action Group, led by Darrell Pitt, has been instrumental in advocating for safety improvements. Their efforts have yielded some successes, including the installation of public rubbish bins, more usable footpaths, and street lighting. However, these victories are incremental and have done little to address the broader issues plaguing the area. The precinct was intended to be a thriving hub of activity, with a mix of residential and commercial spaces. Yet, the lack of appealing public spaces and basic infrastructure has stifled its potential. As Darrell notes, “Surely it’s common sense that commercial premises are more likely to be leased when the area looks appealing?” The absence of these amenities has left the area feeling abandoned and uninviting, with even the recent opening of a takeaway-only Italian restaurant failing to boost foot traffic.

Tragedy Strikes: A Call to Action for Change

The consequences of the precinct’s poor planning were tragically underscored on November 25, 2023, when 22-year-old Frances Ramirez was struck and killed by two cars at the intersection of Hallenstein and Hopkins streets. This intersection, like many others in the area, lacked traffic lights, leaving pedestrians vulnerable to danger. For Samantha Meredith, a local Greens councillor, the incident was both a professional and personal tragedy. Frances was not just a constituent but also a neighbor, living on the same floor as Meredith. The loss of her life served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for change. With the support of the Precinct Action Group, the community successfully campaigned for a 40km/h speed limit on a stretch of Hopkins Street in 2024. However, Meredith laments that many drivers continue to treat the speed limit as a suggestion rather than a rule. The incident highlights the broader issue of inadequate infrastructure, which has left residents exposed to safety hazards.

Lessons Unlearned: The Folly of Prioritizing Housing over Infrastructure

The Joseph Road Precinct serves as a cautionary tale of what happens when housing is prioritized over infrastructure. The City of Melbourne is pushing to meet an ambitious goal of 134,000 new homes by 2051, part of a statewide target of 2.24 million. While apartment precincts are being planned in areas like Arden, Fishermans Bend, and Macaulay, the Joseph Road Precinct offers a stark reminder of the dangers of building housing first and retrofitting infrastructure later. Years after residents moved in, the roads were finally paved in November 2023, a delay that has left the community frustrated and disillusioned. The recent completion of Lilardia Park, a small patch of greenery nestled between an apartment tower and a block of commercial offices, has provided some respite. However, it is a minor consolation in the face of the precinct’s larger issues. As Meredith points out, the lack of supporting infrastructure has earned Joseph Road the dubious reputation as the “worst apartment complex” in the area.

The Bigger Picture: High-Density Housing and the Future of Urban Living

High-rise living is undeniably the future for many Melburnians, but developments like the Joseph Road Precinct threaten to undermine this progress. The area’s combination of dusty streets, endless construction works, and inadequate infrastructure is more than just an eyesore—it’s a danger. The tragic death of Frances Ramirez and the ongoing struggles of the community serve as a reminder of the importance of holistic urban planning. As Melbourne continues to grow and evolve, it is crucial that policymakers and developers learn from past mistakes. TheDocklands, another Melbourne development, is often cited as an example of failed urban planning, with its windswept streets and lack of vibrancy. The Joseph Road Precinct risks following in its footsteps if lessons are not learned. Liam Heitmann-Ryce-LeMercier, a freelance writer and reviewer based in Melbourne, has been a vocal critic of such developments, calling for a more thoughtful approach to high-density housing.

A Call to Action: Prioritizing People in Urban Development

The story of the Joseph Road Precinct is a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing people in urban development. High-density housing is not just about meeting quotas; it’s about creating livable, sustainable, and safe communities. The community’s efforts to push for change have been commendable, but they should not have had to fight so hard for basic infrastructure. The death of Frances Ramirez should never have happened, and it is a tragedy that underscores the need for urgent action. As Melbourne continues to grow, it is imperative that policymakers and developers take a more comprehensive approach to urban planning—one that prioritizes the needs of residents and creates vibrant, inclusive spaces. Only then can high-density housing truly fulfill its promise as the future of urban living.